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THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


THE  COLLECTION  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINIANA 

ENDOWED  BY 

JOHN  SPRUNT  HILL 

CLASS  OF  1889 


0970,9  i 

Wl8o 

c.2 


* 


FOR  USE  ONLY  IN 
THE  NORTH  CAROLINA  COLLECT] 


■ 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


http://archive.org/details/officialhistoryowalk 


Official  History  of  the  120th 
Infantry 

"3rd  NORTH  CAROLINA"  30th  DIVISION 

From  August  5,  1917,  to  April  17,  1919 


CANAL  SECTOR— YPRES-LYS  OFFENSIVE 
SOMME  OFFENSIVE 


By 


Major  John  O.  Walker,  with  the  assistance  of  Major  William  A.  Graham 
and  Captain  Thomas  Fauntleroy 


DEDICATED 
TO 

THE  MOTHEES  A^TD  WIVES 

OF 

the  Men  of  this  Regiment  who  Died 
in  France 


PREFACE 

This  history  has  been  prepared,  under  authority 
from  Colonel  Sidney  W.  Minor,  as  the  official  his- 
tory of  the  120th  Infantry.  Great  care  has  been 
exercised  in  its  preparation,  and  nothing  has  been 
claimed  for  this  Eegiment  which  can  not  be  sub- 
stantiated by  records  of  the  Division. 

J.  0.  W. 


OFFICIAL  HISTORY  OF  THE 
120th  INFANTRY 

CHAPTER  I 

On  August  5,  1917,  the  3rd  North  Carolina  Regiment,  of  the 
North  Carolina  National  Guard,  was  drafted  into  the  Federal 
Service.  That  day  marks  the  real  entrance  of  the  Regiment  into 
the  European  War,  in  which  it  was  to  play  a  glorious  part,  reflect- 
ing credit  on  the  Army,  the  State,  and  the  Nation. 

The  Regiment  was  commanded  by  Colonel  Sidney  W.  Minor,  of 
Durham,  with  Lieutenant- Colonel  Claude  L.  McGhee,  of  Frank- 
Iinton,  second  in  command.  The  three  battalions  were  commanded, 
respectively,  by  Major  Don  E.  Scott,  Major  William  A.  Graham, 
and  Major  Wade  H.  Phillips.  The  companies  were  organized  at 
and  commanded  as  follows: 

"A"  Company,  Lexington — Captain  James  A.  Leonard ; 
"B*"  Company,  Raleigh — Captain  Walter  Clark,  Jr. ; 
"C"  Company,  Henderson — Captain  James  W.  Jenkins; 
"D"  Company,  Louisburg — Captain  Samuel  P.  Boddie; 
"E"  Company,  Oxford — Captain  Elbert  E.  Fuller ; 
"F"  Company,  Franklinton — Captain  James  E.  Whitfield; 
"G"  Company,  Reidsville — Captain  James  H.  Mobley; 
"H"  Company,  Warrenton — Captain  Edward  C.  Price; 
"I"    Company,  Burlington — Captain  James  C.  Freeman; 
"K"  Company,  Ashboro — Captain  Ben  F.  Dixon ; 
"L"  Company,  Thomasville — Captain  Carleton  H.  Newby; 
"M"  Company,  Durham — Captain  Walter  E.  Page ; 

Headquarters    Company,   chiefly   from    Tennessee — organization 

begun  by  Major  Don  E.  Scott  and  completed  by  Captain 

Thomas  Fauntleroy,  of  Memphis ; 
Machine   Gun   Company, '  North   Carolina — Captain   Charles   F. 

Lumsden,  Raleigh; 
Supply  Company,  North  Carolina — Captain  Stephen  E.  Winston  ; 

and 
Sanitary  Detachment,  North  Carolina — Major  Abram  R.  Winston. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  none  of  these  units,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Headquarters  Company,  returned  from  overseas  in  com- 
mand of  the  original  commanding  officer. 


6  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

Coming  from  the  Central  and  Piedmont  Sections  of  North 
Carolina,  and  being  filled  up  later  on  by  men  from  Tennessee,  Ken- 
tucky, and  Indiana,  it  was  a  thoroughly  American  organization.  It 
inherited  the  best  traditions  of  a  fighting  stock,  who  had  proven 
their  worth  in  the  War  of  the  Eevolution  and  the  War  Between  the  , 
States.  The  most  cherished  records  of  accomplishments  had  been 
left  untarnished  to  the  younger  generation,  and  their  sires  and 
grandsires  felt,  if  the  opportunity  was  given,  their  sons  and  grand- 
sons would  add  new  luster  and  new  traditions  to  the  old. 

The  Eegiment,  with  the  1st  and  2nd  North  Carolina  Infantry 
Eegiments,  composed  the  North  Carolina  Infantry  Brigade,  and 
as  such  had  served  on  the  Mexican  Border,  near  El  Paso.  The 
Border  service  having  been  satisfactory  it  was  confidently  expected 
the  Brigade  would  be  maintained  intact,  but  changes  in  sizes  of 
units,  as  a  result  of  this  Avar,  upset  all  expectations.  When 
mobilized  at  Camp  Sevier,  Greenville,  South  Carolina,  as  part  of 
the  30th  Division,  the  1st  North  Carolina  was  broken  up.  part  of 
the  personnel  being  assigned  to  this  Eegiment,  and  the  2nd  and  3rd 
North  Carolina  disappeared,  except  in  the  memory  of  those  who 
loved  them,  becoming,  respectively,  the  119th  and  120th  Infantry 
Eegiments,  composing  the  60th  (Tar-Heel)  Brigade.  The  60th 
Brigade  was  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  Sampson  L.  Faison, 
a  Eegular  Army  officer,  a  North  Carolinian,  and  the  maker  of  the 
30th  Division. 

CHAPTEE  II 

Camp  Sevier,  Greenville,  South  Carolina,  named  after  Colonel 
John  Sevier,  North  Carolina  Militiaman  and  Brigadier-General, 
U.  S.  A.,  afterwards  becoming  Governor  of  Tennessee,  was  a  tented 
camp.  The  location  was  ideal,  and  there  would  have  been  no  com- 
plaints provided  South  Carolina  had  lived  up  to  its  reputation  of 
'•Sunny  South."    This  it  sadly  failed  to  do. 

The  first  units  of  the  Begiment  to  arrive,  the  latter  part  of 
August,  were  put  to  work  converting  cleared  land  and  cultivated 
fields  into  drill-grounds.  So  real  training  was  not  under  way  until 
the  middle  of .  September,  and  even  then  it  was  constantly  inter- 
rupted by  moving,  due  to  the  increased  size  of  units  under  ever- 
changing  tables  of  organizations. 

The  authorized  officer-strength  of  the  Eegiment  was  provided  for 
by  the  promotion  of  enlisted  men  and  by  a  shipment  of  newly 
graduated  Eeserve  Officers,  "Sears-Eoebuck  Lieutenants "  they  were 
called.  These  Eeserve  Officers  expected  a  hostile  reception,  and 
were  gratified  to  find  that  their  home  in  the  Eegiment  depended 
solely  upon  their  individual  ability  to  make  good.  They  expected 
to  find  themselves  in  a  National  Guard  organization,  with  all  of  the 
widely  advertised  faults  of  the  National  Guard,  and  they  found  a 
regiment   to   which   these   stories    did   not   apply.      They    quickly 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  7 

absorbed  the  traditions  of  the  Eegiment,  and  found  that  the  regi- 
mental idea  was — for  officers  to  be  obeyed  and  followed;  first, 
because  they  had  gained  the  respect,  confidence,  and  love  of  their 
men ;  and,  secondly,  because  of  the  authority  vested  in  them  by 
virtue  of  their  commission.  This  idea  has  been  the  constant  aim  of 
the  officers  of  the  Eegiment  during  its  entire  life. 

With  the  arrival  of  Trench  and  British  instructors,  schools  were 
started  in  bayonet,  bombs,  scouting,  etc.  All  ranks  were  pushed  to 
their  capacity.  While  the  hours  were  long,  the  time  was  short,  and 
those  who  were  not  able  to  stand  the  grind,  or  failed  to  realize  the 
importance  of  their  task,  soon  fell  by  the  wayside. 

Training  was  largely  centered  around  trench-warfare,  but  fortu- 
nately open-fighting  was  not  overlooked,  and  this  forethought  on  the 
part  of  those  in  command  proved  of  value  later  on  and  doubtless 
saved  many  lives  in  active  operations.  Much  of  the  trench-warfare 
training  proved  of  little  value  in  active  service,  as  conditions  exist- 
ing to-day  are  out  of  date  to-morrow,  but  it  all  served  to  develop 
both  officer  and  man.  This  was  notably  the  case  in  bayonet-training, 
and,  while  there  was  but  slight  chance  of  bayonet  combat,  it 
developed  a  fighting  spirit  and  a  feeling  of  confidence  as  nothing 
else  could  have  done. 

Training  was  seriously  interrupted  about  the  middle  of  December 
by  an  unprecedented  winter — a  winter  unlooked  for  in  the  South. 
As  a  result,  the  camp  was  not  prepared  for  such  a  condition.  Sleet 
and  snow  covered  the  ground — men  had  to  spend  their  entire  time 
cutting  and  carrying  wood  for  heating  and  cooking,  and  the  little 
opportunity  for  indoor  instruction  was  of  doubtful,  if  of  any,  value. 
As  soon  as  the  weather  permitted,  training  was  renewed  with  re- 
doubled energy. 

The  first  of  January,  Colonel  Minor  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
McGhee  were  sent  to  a  Field  Officers'  School,  in  Texas,  and  Colonel 
Cochran  was  assigned  to  the  Eegiment,  remaining  in  command  until 
Colonel  Minor  returned  in  April.  Colonel  Cochran  was  a  Begular 
Army  officer,  and  a  graduate  of  the  Virginia  Military  Institute.  He 
was  an  officer  and  a  gentleman,  and  soon  gained  the  admiration  and 
confidence  of  all  ranks.    It  was  a  pleasure  to  have  served  under  him. 

When  the  Eegiment  was  first  drafted  into  service  its  strength  was 
slightly  over  1,500  men,  and  this  number  was  reduced  by  frequent 
calls  for  s]3ecialists  of  all  kinds.  It  was,  therefore,  necessary  to  fill 
the  Eegiment  up  to  strength  before  it  would  be  fit  for  overseas 
service.  The  men  first  received  were  a  splendid  lot  from  the  old 
2nd  Tennessee,  which  had  been  broken  up.  Most  of  these  men 
went  to  Headquarters  Company,  and  this  company  from  that  time 
on  was  largely  a  Tennessee  Company  both  in  officers  and  men.  The 
Eegiment  was  also  fortunate  in  securing  the  Tennessee  Band,  as  a 
unit.  This  band  was  composed  of  trained  musicians,  chiefly  from 
Memphis,  and,  under  the  able  leadership  of  Chief  Musician  Harry 


8     •  Official  History  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtry 

Blix,  developed  into  one  of  the  best  bands  in  the  A.  E.  F.  The 
second  lot  came  from  Camp  Jackson.  The  officers  in  charge 
candidly  stated  that  they  had  picked  the  poorest  men  in  the 
Division,  but  with  the  exception  of  those  who  were  crippled  and 
should  never  have  been  inducted  into  service,  they  proved  by  their 
loyalty  and  fighting  qualities  that  some  one  at  Camp  Jackson  was  an 
extremely  poor  judge  of  men — at  least  of  men  who  could  fight. 
Practically  all  of  these  men  were  from  Xorth  Carolina.  The  third 
and  last  lot  of  men  the  Eegiment  received  came  from  Camp  Taylor, 
chiefly  Kentuckians  and  Indianaians.  They  were  a  splendid  lot 
physically  and  mentally,  and,  as  fighters,  they  had  no  superiors.  All 
of  these  men  soon  took  their  place  in  the  Eegiment  and  found  they 
stood  an  equal  chance  with  the  old  men  of  the  organization. 

The  first  of  May,  1918,  found  the  Eegiment  ready  to  go.  The 
companies  were  in  excellent  shape ;  the  spirit  of  the  men  was  high ; 
and  all  were  on  edge,  as  each  man  knew  the  time  was  near  at  hand. 

The  special  units  of  Headquarters  Company,  the  37-mms., 
Lieutenant  Gilliland:  the  Trench  Mortars,  Lieutenant  Dayton; 
the  Pioneers,  Lieutenant  Bunch ;  and  the  Signals,  Lieutenant  Ailor, 
were  all  in  splendid  condition,  and  their  state  of  training  reflected 
credit  on  their  officers  and  on  the  Eegiment. 

The  Intelligence  Service,  composed  of  specially  selected  men,  had 
been  organized. 

Quite  a  few  changes  had  been  made  in  the  Eegiment.  Two  of 
the  more  important  were :  Captain  Whitfield,  of  "F"'  Company, 
had  resigned,  and  Lieutenant  Beck  was  in  command ;  and  Captain 
Freeman,  of  "I"  Company,  had  resigned,  and  Captain  Eobert  C. 
Young  was  promoted  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

An  Advance  Party,  consisting  of  Majors  Scott  and  Graham, 
Captain  Boddie,  Lieutenants  Taylor,  Williams,  Eichards,  Dayton, 
Dixon,  Mason,  Green,  and  Ailor,  and  a  number  of  enlisted  men, 
were  sent  ahead.  And  on  the  ?th  day  of  May,  1918,  after  a  final 
clean-up  of  all  men  physically  unfit,  the  Eegiment  began  to  move. 

CHAPTEE  III 

Movements  of  troops  are  supposed  to  have  been  shrouded  with 
secrecy,  but  the  thousands  of  visitors  who  had  come  to  bid  their 
sons  a  last  farewell  preceded  the  troop  trains,  and  the  news  of  the 
coming  spread  like  wildfire.  As  a  result,  the  passage  through 
Xorth  and  South  Carolina  was  a  continuous  ovation.  Each  village, 
town,  and  city  turned  out  to  cheer  the  men  as  they  passed.  Half 
of  the  Eegiment  went  north  via  Greenwood-Ealeigh-Bichmond, 
and  the  other  half  via  Charlotte-Greensboro-Lynchburg.  The  Eecl 
Cross  handled  the  feeding  of  the  troops,  at  points  en  route,  in  a 
most  satisfactory  manner.  The  movement  continued  for  two  days, 
the  troops  detraining  at  Camp  Merritt,  a  few  miles  north  of 
Xew  York  City, 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  9 

It  was  thought  that  the  Regiment  was  equipped  for  overseas 
service,  but  such  did  not  prove  to  be  the  case.  Practically  every- 
thing the  men  had,  in  the  way  of  clothing,  was  taken  from  them 
and  new  issued.  This  meant  work  without  rest  for  the  1st  and  2nd 
Battalions  and  Supply  Company,  who  arrived  one  day  and  were 
promptly  told  they  would  leave  on  the  next.  The  remaining  units 
were  kept  at  Camp  Merritt  for  nearly  a  week,  and,  as  there  was  no 
room  for  drilling,  practically  every  man  was  given  an  opportunity 
to  see  a  little  of  New  York  City.  This  was  a  great  experience  for 
most  of  the  men. 

The  entire  Regiment  embarked  for  overseas  at  Boston — the  first 
units  leaving  on  H.  M.  T.  Bohemia,  under  command  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  McGhee,  and  the  remainder  of  the  Regiment  one  week  later 
on  H.  XL  T.  Miltiades,  under  command  of  Brigadier-General  S.  L. 
Faison.  The  men  were  badly  crowded  on  both  boats,  and  the  food 
by  no  means  good.  The  latter  was  clue,  in  part,  to  the  men  of  the 
Regiment  not  being  accustomed  to  eating  the  kind  of  food  preferred 
by  Australians,  and,  as  both  boats  had  been  used  in  the  Australian 
transport  service,  they  had  been  provisioned  to  suit  those  troops. 
The  voyage  over  for  both  boats  was  perfect,  in  so  far  as  the  weather 
was  concerned,  and  uneventful  save  for  the  usual  attacks  by  sub- 
marines. These  attacks  were  unsuccessful  in  all  cases  and  served  to 
enliven  what  would  have  been  a  monotonous  voyage.  It  is  believed 
some  of  these  submarines  were  accounted  for.  The  troops  on  the 
Boli  emia  were  disembarked  at  Liverpool,  going  by  rail  to  Folkestone, 
and  from  there  to  Calais  by  boat.  Those  on  the  Miltiades  were  dis- 
embarked near  London,  going  by  rail  to  Dover,  and  from  there  to 
Calais  by  boat.  The  entire  movement  of  the  Regiment  to  France 
was  completed  on  the  5th  of  June,  1918.  On  landing  in  England 
all  ranks  were  given  a  facsimile  of  an  autograph  letter  of  welcome 
from  His  Majesty,  George  V. 

At  Calais,  the  troops  were  marched  to  a  British  Rest  Camp  just 
outside  the  city.  Here  everything,  except  the  clothing  on  the  men's 
backs,  was  turned  in  for  salvage.  All  was'  piled  in  warehouses  to  be 
sorted  out  by  Chinese  laborers.  Some  of  these  laborers  having  been 
killed  by  American  sentinels,  at  an  earlier  date,  resulted  in  an  order 
being  issued  requesting  American  soldiers  to  refrain  from  killing 
Chinamen.  In  this  land  of  killing  it  seemed  a  little  out  of  place, 
but  it  must  be  remembered  a  Chinaman  had  a  greater  value  in 
shillings  and  pounds  than  an  ordinary  soldier. 

The  Regiment,  having  been  reequipped  with  British  equipment 
throughout — helmets,  gas  masks,  and  rifles — marched  to  the  station 
and  entrained  as  part  of  the  British  Army.  All  ranks  were  much 
dissatisfied,  at  first,  over  the  assignment  to  the  British  Army,  and 
for  a  long  time  the  constant  query  was  "When  do  we  go  South?'* 
but  in  course  of  time  it  was  changed  to  "We  don't  want  to  go 
South."    At  Calias  the  distant  thunder  of  guns  could  be  heard,  and 


10  Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Infantry 

the  nightly  air  raids  with  the  accompaniment  of  bombs,  taking  their 
nightly  toll  of  women  and  children,  gave  the  first  touch  of  war,  and 
opened  the  eyes  of  many  to  the  kind  of  enemy  they  were  to  fight. 
On  entraining  at  Calais  the  Eegiment  had  its  first  experience 
with  the  f anions  French  troop  trains  of  "J±0  Homme  or  <S  Clievaux." 
Fortunately  the  introduction  was  brief — the  troops  detraining  two 
hours  later  at  Audriucq  in  the  Eperlecques  Training  Area.  Begi- 
mental  Headquarters  was  located  at  Chateau  Cocove,  Headquarters 
Company  at  Grasse  Payelle,  1st  Battalion  at  Zutkerque,  2nd  Bat- 
talion at  La  Montaire,  3rd  Battalion  at  Nielles,  Machine  Gun  Com- 
pany at  Xortleulingham,  and  the  Supply  Company  at  Lostrat. 
Once  more  the  entire  Eegiment  was  together  and  training  was  begun 
again. 

CHAPTEE  IV 

In  the  Eperlecques  Training  Area,  British  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s, 
from  the  4th  Bedfordshire  Battalion,  were  assigned  to  the  Eegi- 
ment, and,  under  the  personal  direction  of  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Edwards,  British  Army,  supervised  the  instruction  within  the  Eegi- 
ment, seeing  that  only  the  most  recent  developments  were  followed. 
The  services  of  these  officers  and  men  were  of  special  value  in  pre- 
venting the  wasting  of  effort  on  nonessentials. 

At  this  time  the  enemy  was  believed  to  be  preparing  a  drive  in  the 
vicinity  of  Hazebrouck.  Another  effort  to  secure  the  Channel 
Ports.  This  Eegiment,  in  case  the  attack  came,  was  to  move  by 
force  marches  and  occupy  part  of  the  "Terdeghem  Switch  Line." 
This  line  was  to  be  "held  at  all  cost."  Plans  were  made,  orders 
issued,  and  officers  were  sent  forward  to  make  the  necessary  recon- 
naissance, so  as  to  be  able  to  occupy  their  proper  position  in  the 
line  promptly  and  without  confusion.  Fortunately  the  attack  failed 
to  materialize  and  training  continued. 

An  important  part  of  the  training  in  this  area  consisted  in  send- 
ing details  of  officers  and  men  up  for  periods  of  a  week  to  two  weeks 
with  the  33rd  and  49th  British  Divisions.  These  Divisions  were 
holding  the  Ypres  Salient.  Tbe  details  were  carried  up  in  old 
London  busses  which  had  been  in  Use  since  the  first  clays  of  the  war, 
and  were  still  giving  excellent  service. 

Each  man  returned  with  a  clearer  perception  of  the  work  he  had 
to  do,  and  a  fund  of  stories  for  his  less  fortunate  comrades.  Some 
of  the  best  stories  of  the  Eegiment  were  collected  in  and  around 
Ypres.  Fortunately  only  a  few  casualties  resulted  from  these  trips, 
as  the  British  troops  had  been  ordered  to  restrain  the  natural  in- 
quisitiveness  of  the  Americans. 

In  this  area  the  Eegiment  received  British  transportation,  and 
the  Eegimental  Supply  Service  was  reorganized  to  conform  with 
that  of  the  British  Army.  This  was  a  most  important  change/ and, 
when  put  into  practice  later  on,  worked  without  a  hitch. 


Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Infantry  11 

To  create  a  feeling  of  confidence  in  the  artillery  is  particularly 
desired  in  infantry  troops,  as  nothing  is  harder  on  their  morale 
than  to  have  a  feeling  of  uncertainty  as  to  whether  their  own 
artillery  can  be  depended  upon  to  shoot  where  they  aim.  In  order 
that  all  ranks  might  see  the  actual  handling  -of  a  barrage  a 
practical  illustration  was  given,  and  it  certainly  had  the  desired 
effect  on  both  officers  and  men. 

Sir  Douglas  Haig  and  General  Pershing  both  inspected  part  of 
the  troops  while  in  this  area.  As  a  result  of  this  inspection,  and  the 
reports  of  his  officers,  the  former  requested  this  Division  to  be  one 
of  the  two  remaining  with  the  British  Army.  While  here  a  great 
many  new  officers  joined  the  Eegiment.  They  were  part  of 
"Pershing's  Traveling  Circus,"  and  proved  to  be  some  of  the  most 
efficient  officers  the  Eegiment  had. 

Before  the  completion  of  training,  the  Eegiment  was  transferred 
as  part  of  the  Division  to  the  II  British  Corps,  Second  Army,  com- 
manded, respectively,  by  Major-General  Jacobs  and  General  Plumer, 
moving  up  in  close  support  to  the  33rd  and  49th  British  Divisions 
in  the  Ypres  Salient,  where  an  attack  was  expected. 

On  the  2nd  of  July,  1918,  the  Eegiment  marched  from  the  billets 
to  the  eastern  edge  of  the  Foret  D'Eperlecque,  where  it  bivouacked 
for  the  night.  On  the  morning  of  the  3rd  the  movement  was  re- 
sumed, and  the  night  of  the  3rd  was  spent  at  Eubrouck.  On  the 
morning  of  the  4th  of  July  part  of  the  Division  crossed  into 
Belgium — the  first  American  troops  in  the  little  kingdom.  This 
Eegiment  marched  to  Herzeele  where  it  remained  for  five  days  in 
training.  When  the  Eegiment  entered  this  village  Belgian  and 
French  flags  were  flying  from  the  houses  in  honor  of  the  American 
holiday.  At  Herzeele  the  officers  and  men,  sent  from  the  States  as 
an  Advance  Party,  rejoined  their  organizations.  Prior  to  this  the 
1st  Battalion  had  been  commanded  by  Captain  Leonard  and  the 
2nd  Battalion  by  Captain  Fuller. 

On  leaving  Herzeele  the  Eegiment  marched  to  "Eoacl  and  Ball 
Camps."  These  two  camps  were  two  and  three  miles  north  of 
Watou.  They  would  accommodate  about  4,000  men  in  huts,  each 
hut  holding  about  30  men.  The  huts  were  constructed  from  sheet 
iron  and  known  as  "JSTisson  huts."  After  the  camps  had  been 
thoroughly  cleaned  they  made,  very  comfortable  quarters.  Every 
precaution  had  to  be  taken  in  this  area  with  lights,  as  enemy  bomb- 
ing planes  were  over  every  favorable  night,  and,  while  the  entire 
country  was  believed  to  be  infested  with  spies,  these  camps  were, 
for  some  reason,  never  bombed,  though  offering  an  excellent  target. 

What  was  known  as  phase  "B"  of  training  was  begun  imme- 
diately upon  arrival  in  this  area.  This  training  was  arranged  so  as 
to  give  the  Eegiment  the  maximum  amount  of  actual  front  line 
experience,  and  at  the  same  time  holding  out  a  sufficient  number  of 
troops  to  complete  and  occupy  the  East  Poperinghe  Line,  which  line 


12  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

was  to  be  held  by  Americans  should  the  enemy  attack  about  the 
middle  of  July  as  was  expected.  For  the  purpose  of  carrying  on 
this  training  the  60th  Brigade  was  attached  to  the  33rd  British 
Division,  commanded  by  General  Penny,  and  this  Begiment  feels 
deeply  indebted  to  the  officers  and  men  of  this  British  Division  for 
their  never-failing  willingness  to  render  even-  possible  assistance  to 
this  Begiment. 

It  was  necessary,  shortly  after  the  Begiment  arrived  at  "Boad 
Camp,"''  to  send  the  1st  and  3rd  Battalions,  under  command  of 
Major  Phillips,  back  to  Becques  to  complete  their  firing.  The 
battalions  moved  by  train  from  Proven  to  Audriucq,  returning  the 
same  way,  on  the  19th  of  July. 

Under  phase  "B"  of  training  each  battalion  would  spend  eight 
days  in  "Boad  Camp,"  eight  days  in  the  "Blue"  or  East  Poperinghe 
Line,  and  eight  days  in  the  front  system.  During  the  period  of 
eight  days  in  the  front  system,  for  two  days  and  nights  the  men 
were  distributed  among  the  British  troops,  two  days  and  nights 
platoons  were  distributed  among  the  British,  two  days  and  nights 
companies  were  distributed  the  same  way,  and  the  last  two  days  and 
nights  the  sector  was  taken  over  by  the  battalion.  The  reserve  and 
support  battalions  were  used  to  complete  the  East  and  West, 
Poperinghe  Systems.  The  entire  plan  was  carried  out  successfully. 
The  2nd,  1st,  and  3rd  Battalions,  in  order  named,  were  sent  through 
the  course,  beginning  the  nights  of  the  16th  and  17th  of  July. 
While  holding  the  "Blue  Line,"  momentarily  expecting  an  attack, 
one  of  the  battalions  was  aroused  in  the  early  hours  by  the  bursting 
of  grenades.  Every  one  was  "turned  out"  quickly,  expecting  to  find 
the  enemy  coming  through  the  wire,  only  to  learn  one  Private  Ball, 
having  become  weary  on  a  lonely  post,  had  gathered  together  a 
quantity  of  grenades,  and  for  his  own  amusement  was  putting  down, 
as  he  termed  it,  a  "hand  gunnade  barrage.'' 

Troops  were  moved  into  the  forward  area  by  marching,  guides 
being  furnished  by  the  British  Units;  when  the  tour  was  completed, 
the  battalion  was  entrained  on  a  light  railway  near  Ypres,  detrain- 
ing at  Bemy  Siding,  two  miles  south  of  Poperinghe  and  marching 
to  "Boad  Camp.*"  During  this  phase  of  training  the  Machine  Gun 
Company  was  under  the  direction  of  the  Division  Machine  Gun 
Officer,  and  was  attacked  for  training  to  the  British  Machine  Gun 
Battalion.  The  Trench  Mortar  Battery  was  attached,  one  team  at 
a  time,  to  the  19th  and  98th  T.  M.  B.'s.  The  37-mm.  Platoon, 
there  is  no  similar  unit  in  the  British  Army,  was  attached,  from 
August  7th  to  11th,  to  the  33rd  British  Machine  Gun  Corps.  The 
Bioneers  was  attached,  for  nearly  a  month,  to  the  18th  Middlesex 
Bioneer  Begiment,  and  took  part  with  this  Begiment  in  the  con- 
solidation of  Scottish  Woods,  which  had  been  taken  by  the  British. 
The  Signal  Blatoon.  which  had  been  reinforced  by  a  platoon  from 
the  105th  Field  Signal  Battalion,  under  command  of  Lieutenant 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  13 

Workman,  was  divided  between  the  battalions  and  trained  with  the 
battalion.  The  Sanitary  Detachments  were  with  their  respective 
battalions.  The  Band  was  not  permitted  to  go  forward,  musicians 
are  too  hard  to  replace,  and  of  too  great  valne  in  maintaining  the 
morale  of  the  men.  The  Supply  Detachments  of  each  battalion 
went  as  far  forward  as  possible  each  night  with  food  and  water,  and 
at  designated  points  they  were  met  by  carrying  parties  from  each 
platoon  or  company.  During  this  phase  of  training  units  in  the 
line  were  not  permitted  to  participate  in  trench  raids,  but  were 
permitted  and  encouraged  to  actively  patrol  Xo  Man's  Land  at  all 
times.  Several  successful  skirmishes  were  had  with  the  enemy,  who 
tried  on  several  occasions  to  rush  the  outpost  line,  but  no  prisoners 
were  lost  and  none  were  taken. 

An  interesting  event  to  American  troops,  Avhile  at  "Eoad  Camp," 
was  an  inspection  by  King  George.  His  coming  was  a  profound 
secret,  known  only  to  a  few,  but  the  "underground  route"  soon 
spread  the  news.  Everything  was  "shined  up."  The  men  who 
were  not  to  be  inspected  lined  the  road  so  as  to  have  a  glimpse  of 
His  Majesty.  The  troops  were  formed  without  arms,  such  being  the 
custom,  but  the  men  believed  the  British  were  afraid  some  of  them 
would  take  a  "pot  shot"  at  their  ruler.  At  the  time  appointed  a 
long  line  of  motors  drove  up,  and  from  one  flying  a  miniature 
"Boyal  Standard'''  the  King  descended.  Accompanied  by  a  galaxy 
of  British  officers,  the  Division  and  Brigade  commanders  of  the 
30th  Division,  and  the  regimental  commanders,  who  joined  the 
party  as  it  passed  in  front  of  the  officers  of  the  Division,  the  King- 
quickly  inspected  the  front  rank  of  the  troops  in  formation.  It  was 
all  over  in  a  few  minutes — he  came,  he  saw,  and  he  departed  amid 
the  cheers  of  the  troops. 

Another  memorable  incident  was  a  visit  by  Elsie  Janis,  who  "put 
on"  her  "show"  at  Watou.  Unfortunately  two  battalions  were  in 
the  line — so  only  a  small  part  of  the  Begiment  were  fortunate 
enough  to  see  this  "regular  fellow,"'  who  was  the  only  entertainer 
not  overlooking  the  existence  of  this  Begiment  from  June  to 
Xovember.  Those  who  witnessed  the  performance  will  long  remem- 
ber it  as  the  only  bit  of  cheer  brought  to  the  Begiment  when  it  was 
most  needed. 

During  this  period  Major-General  E.  M.  Lewis,  who  had  com- 
manded the  Infantry  Brigade  of  the  2nd  Division,  assumed  com- 
mand of  the  Division.  General  Faison  returned  to  the  Brigade  and 
Colonel  Minor  to  the  Begiment.  Lieutenant-Colonel  McGhee  was 
transferred  to  the  port  of  Calais.  Major  Phillips  went  to  the  Claims 
Department,  Captains  Mobley  and  Fuller  to  the  Service  of  Supply, 
Captain  Walter  Clark,  Jr.,  to  the  Line  School,  and  afterwards  to 
the  Staff  College.  Captain  Xewby,  Lieutenants  Stegall,  Gray,  and 
McBae  were  returned  in  a  higher  grade  to  the  States  to  assist  in 


11  Official  History  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtry 

training  a  new  Division.  Captain  S.  P.  Boddie  was  put  in  com- 
mand of  3rd  Battalion,  and  the  other  vacancies  were  filled  by  the 
senior  officer  with  the  Compaq. 

CHAPTER  Y 

The  training  of  the  Division  was  finished.  It  was  now  ready  to 
fight  alone — so  arrangements  were  made  to  take  over  the  "Canal 
Sector'"  of  the  Ypres  Salient,  or  simply  "The  Salient,"  as  it  is  com- 
monly called,  from  the  33rd  British  Division.  This  sector  extended 
from  Zillebeke  Lake,  which  had  at  one  time  been  the  chief  water 
supply  for  the  ancient  City  of  Ypres,  but  was  now  empty  of  water, 
and  located  just  a  little  northeast  of  Lille  Gate;  hence  southeast 
for  2,400  meters  to  the  vicinity  of  the  City  of  Voormezeele.  The 
ground  was  very  low,  easity  flooded,  and  the  water  so  near  the  sur- 
face that  each  shell  hole  became  a  little  pool.  All  of  the  high 
ground,  Observatory  Eidge,  Passchendaele  Ridge,  and  the  famous 
Mont  Kimmel,  was  held  by  the  enemy.  These  points  of  observation 
enabled  the  enemy  to  detect  any  movement  within  the  sector,  and,  as 
a  result,  daylight  movement  was  of  necessity  reduced  to  a  minimum, 
for  even  small  parties  would  provoke  instant  and  heavy  shelling. 
The  Salient  was  so  deep  and  so  narrow  it  was  subjected  to  shell-fire 
from  front,  flanks,  and  rear.  Oftentimes  the  men  in  the  forward 
systems  believed  they  were  being  shelled  by  their  own  artillery,  when 
as  a  matter  of  fact  the  shells  were  from  enemy  guns  on  our  right 
and  rear. 

The  entire  sector  is  a  ghastly  monument  to  the  tenacity  and 
courage  of  the  British  soldiers.  For  four  long  years  they  held  it 
against  bitter  attacks  by  a  determined  enemy;  to-day  it  is  conse- 
crated ground  made  sacred  by  the  bodies  of  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  Britain's  finest  sons ;  and  the  few  Americans  who  lie  "where 
poppies  bloom"  died  not  for  humanity  alone,  for  in  dying  they 
brought  closer  the  bonds  of  blood  which  unite  the  two  great  nations. 
Knowing  its  history  it  seemed  a  grave  responsibility  for  new  and 
untried  troops,  though  it  was  an  honor  to  be  considered  worthy  of 
the  trust. 

The  relief  was  to  be  made  on  the  night  of  the  17-18  of  August. 
The  60th  Brigade  relieving  the  33rd  British  Division,  the  59th 
Brigade  being  in  reserve.  This  Regiment  took  over  from  the 
16th  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  the  2nd  Worcestershires,  the  9th 
Highland  Light  Infantry,  the  Yorshire  Dragoons,  and  the  100th 
Trench  Mortar  Battery,  all  of  the  100th  Brigade  British,  com- 
manded by  Brigadier-General  Baird,  and,  on  the  left  of  the  sector, 
the  119th  Infantry  taking  over  the  right  of  the  sector.  On  the 
afternoon  of  the  16th  the  Regiment  marched  from  "Road  and  Ball 
Camps,"  the  1st  and  2nd  Battalions  occupying  what  is  known  as 
the  "Yellow  Line."   and  the   3rd  Battalion  occupying  the  "Blue 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  15 

Line."  Both  of  these  lines  were  reserve  lines.  Advance  parties  had 
been  sent  forward  to  familiarize  themselves  with  the  sector,  and  to 
make  any  detailed  arrangements  necessary  for  the  relief.  On  the 
evening  of  the  17th  the  1st  and  2nd  Battalions  moved  forward  from 
the  ''Yellow  Line" — the  3rd  Battalion  occupying  the  vacated  posi- 
tion. British  guides  met  the  relieving  troops  at  Vlamertinghe  Mill 
at  7:15  p.  M. ;  at  9:00  p.  m.  Begimental  Headquarters  closed  at 
Chateau  Elizabeth,  near  Poperinghe,  and  reopened  a  short  while 
after  at  "Pulse  Farm."  The  night  was  frightfully  dark,  and  it 
would  have  been  no  surprise  if  the  relief  had  not  been  completed 
that  night,  but,  thanks  to  careful  arrangements,  1 :00  A.  M.  saw  the 
last  of  the  British  depart.  The  "Bloody  Salient,"  so  long  British, 
was  now  American  in  part. 

The  1st  Battalion  was  on  the  right — headquarters  at  Belgian 
Battery  Corner;  2nd  Battalion  on  the  left — headquarters  .near 
Kruistraat ;  both  battalions  with  one  company  in  front  and  outpost 
line — one  company  in  support  and  two  companies  in  reserve.  This 
disposition  was  later  changed  to  the  one  shown  on  map.  The  3rd 
Battalion,  as  part  of  the  Brigade  Reserve,  in  "Yellow  Line,"  with 
headquarters  at  Erie  Farm.  The  Trench  Mortars  and  observers 
took  over  the  positions  held  by  the  British.  The  Pioneers  and 
Signals  were  apportioned  between  the  battalions.  The  Machine 
Gun  Company  relieved  the  British  Machine  Gun  Company  under 
the  direction  of  the  Divisional  Machine  Gun  Officer. 

The  policy  of  the  Regiment  was  to  be  one  of  aggression.  Su- 
premacy in  JSTo  Man's  Land  was  to  be  secured  and  held.  To  this 
end  the  entire  front  was  covered  with  strong  patrols  each  night. 
Xo  prisoners  had  been  taken  for  quite  a  number  of  weeks,  in  spite 
of  every  effort,  and  as  a  result  no  one  knew  exactly  the  condition  in 
front  of  the  Regiment.  The  enemy  system  of  defense  was  one  of 
machine  gun  outpost,  which  were  shifted  every  night,  and  a  few 
fixed  positions  fortified  and  strongly  held.  The  defense  of  the 
sector  was  based  on  two  contingencies :  First,  in  case  an  attack  was 
expected;  second,  in  case  of  a  surprise  attack.  Should  an  attack 
l)e  expected  all  of  the  troops  were  to  be  withdrawn  from  the  front 
system  to  the  support  lines,  with  the  exception  of  certain  strong 
points  or  centers  of  resistance  such  as  "Bedford  House"  and  "Swan 
Chateau."  These  centers  we're  to  hold  on  until  counter  attacks 
could  be  organized  and  launched  from  the  support  line.  Should 
the  attack  be  in  the  nature  of  surprise  each  line  was  to  be  held  until 
every  man  was  killed.  The  British  Artillery,  covering  the  front, 
was  active  at  all  times,  shelling  the  enemy  back-areas  and  engaged 
in  counter  battery  work  both  day  and  night. 

Beyond  skirmishes  between  patrols  and  outpost  everything  in  the 
sector  was  normal.  On  the  20th  the  troops  were  withdrawn  from 
the  outpost  system  to  enable  the  heavy  artillery  to  put  down  a 
destructive   fire  on  certain   strong  positions   of  the  enemy  which 


16  Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtry 

were  uncomfortably  near  the  line.  Airplane  photos,  taken  after  the 
shelling,  revealed  considerable  damage.  The  lines  were  repccupied 
without  opposition.  On  the  night  of  August  22-23  the  3rd  Bat- 
talion relieved  the  1st  Battalion — the  latter  going  to  the  "Yellow 
Line." 

Shortly  after  the  3rd  Battalion  took  over  they  sent  in  the  first 
prisoner  captured  by  the  Division- — a  Chinaman,  and  from  the  ex- 
citement produced  at  Army  Headquarters  one  would  have  thought 
the  Chinese  Army  had  been  identified  on  the  Western  Front.  Xo 
information  could  be  obtained,  as  his  English  vocabulary  was 
limited  to  "Yes"  and  "Calais,'''  so  he  was  sent  to  the  rear  accom- 
panied by  the  following  note  from  the  Battalion  Commander : 
"Here  is  a  Chinaman,  captured  near  Post  Xo.  5.  He  is  either  on 
leave  or  A.  W.  0.  L.  In  either  case  he  picked  a  damn  bad  place  to 
spend  it.     Boddie." 

On  the  night  of  August  28-29  the  1st  Battalion  relieved  the  2nd 
Battalion — the  latter  moving  to  the  position  vacated  by  the 
1st  Battalion. 

On  the  night  of  August  26th  a  cloud  gas  attack  was  made  on 
the  front  of  this  Regiment.  The  attack  was  handled  by  the  105th 
Engineer  Begiment.  This  Begiment  furnished  400  men  to  assist. 
2,520  cylinders  of  gas,  phosgene,  and  chlorine  on  nine  trains  of 
seven  three-ton  truck  each  were  conveyed  by  Light  Railway  to 
Trois  Bois  Spur.  From  here  the  cars  were  pushed  by  hand  to 
positions  just  behind  the  outpost  line.  All  troops  were  withdrawn 
from  the  outpost  line.  At  3  :00  a.  m.,  with  the  wind  blowing  about 
four  miles  per  hour  directly  towards  the  enemy  lines,  the  gas  was 
released  simultaneously  from  all  cylinders.  The  enemy  imme- 
diately sent  up  hundreds  of  lights  of  every  description  and  opened 
fire  with  machine  guns  over  the  entire  front.  These  latter  gradu- 
ally died  out  as  the  gas  cloud  rolled  over  them.  It  was  a  beautiful 
sight  and  a  successful  attack,  but  prisoners  taken  later  on  stated 
there  were  no  casualties  beyond  a  few  horses.  The  outpost  line  was 
reoccupied  the  following  night. 

All  arrangements  had  been  completed  for  the  relief  of  this 
Begiment  by  the  117th  Infantry  on  the  night  of  September  1-2, 
but,  on  account  of  increased  activity  on  this  front,  the  relief  was 
cancelled.  On  August  31st  the  enemy  was  reported  as  withdrawing 
on  the  front  of  the  II  British  Corps.  All  troops  forming  a  part  of 
this  corps  were  directed  to  establish  touch  with  the  enemy  at  once 
and  ascertain  if  this  report  was  true.  Two  strong  combat  patrols 
were  sent  over  about  the  middle  of  the  day  from  each  battalion. 
They  were  ordered  to  proceed  as  far  as  Middlesex  Road,  and  if  the 
enemy  was  not  in  strength  to  establish  a  new  outpost  line  along  that 
road:  bnt,  most  important  of  all,  prisoners  for  identification  and 
information  were  desired.  The  enemy  was  developed  in  strength 
along  the  entire  front  so  the  patrols  returned  with  few  casualties  to 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantby  17 

the  original  lines.  One  of  the  patrols  from  the  1st  Battalion,  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  Boyd,  secured  14  prisoners — the  first  taken 
by  the  Eegiment.  These  prisoners  furnished  a  great  deal  of  valuable 
information  and  identified  the  unit  on  the  front. 

On  the  morning  of  September  1st  an  attack  was  made  by  the 
Second  British  Army.  The  1st  and  3rd  Battalions,  this  Eegiment, 
was  ordered  to  push  forward  100  to  1,000  yards,  establishing  a  new 
line  from  Lock  j^o.  8  on  Canal,  running  north  of  Lankhof  Farm  to 
Zillebeke  Lake.  The  principal  objective  was  Lankhof  Farm,  a 
strongly  fortified  position  surrounded  by  a  moat.  The  fighting  was 
very  bitter,  but,  with  the  cooperation  of  the  artillery,  who  main- 
tained close  liaison  with  the  commanding  officer  of  the  1st  Bat- 
talion, the  new  line  was  taken  and  consolidated,  for  the  consolida- 
tion troops  were  sent  up  from  the  2nd  Battalion  and  from  the 
engineers.  The  119th  Infantry  made  a  successful  advance  on  the 
right,  taking  Voormezeele. 

On  the  night  of  September  4-5  the  Eegiment  was  relieved  by  the 
105th  and  part  of  the  104th  British  Brigades.  On  the  completion 
of  the  relief  the  Eegiment  proceeded  by  marching  to  Dirty  Bucket 
Camp. 

While  in  the  line  the  trench  mortars  fired  from  100  to  200 
projectiles  daily  on  known  and  suspected  enemy  positions,  provok- 
ing prompt  and  heavy  retaliation,  much  to  the  disgust  of  the 
infantry,  who  have  no  love  for  trench  mortars. 

In  advance  of  September  1-2  emplacements  were  established  well 
forward  and  covered  the  consolidation  of  the  new  line.  The 
37-mms.  were  kept  in  reserve,  but  on  the  day  of  the  advance  two 
guns  were  sent  forward  in  command  of  Lieutenant  Lowry,  but  did 
not  become  engaged.  The  Pioneers  were  divided  between  the  bat- 
talions and  aided  in  the  consolidation.  Prior  to  that  time  they  were 
engaged  in  the  construction  of  dugouts  and  shelters.  The  Signals 
in  this  and  future  operations  maintained  excellent  communications 
at  all  times.  The  Eegimental  Machine  Gun  Company  covered  the 
front  of  the  Eegiment  for  the  first  eight  days — harrassing  the  enemy 
lines  at  night.  The  clay  of  the  advance  two  guns  were  ordered 
forward  from  the  rear  to  cover  consolidation.  The  Intelligence 
Service,  both  battalion  and  regimental,  functioned  well  at  all  times. 

CHAPTEE  VI 

September  5th  and  6th  were  devoted  to  cleaning  up.  The  entire 
Eegiment  was  cleloused  and  bathed  at  "Kill  Bug  Station  and  Hop 
Factory,"  each  man  receiving  a  clean  suit  of  underwear.  After  a 
period  in  the  line  the  little  bugs  were  plentiful. 

On  September  3rd,  prior  to  the  relief,  orders  had  been  issued  for 
the  transfer  of  this  Eegiment  as  part  of  the  Division  to  the  3rd 
British  Army.  This  Army  was  holding  the  sector  in  the  vicinity 
of  Arras  and  was  commanded  by  General  Byng. 


18  Official  Histoky  of  the  120th  Ixfantry 

The  movement  began  on  the  evening  of  September  the  6th,  con- 
tinued all  night,  and  was  completed  on  the  morning  of  the  7th. 
Troops  and  transports  marched  from  Dirty  Bucket  Camp  to  Proven 
where  they  entrained.  It  was  a  distinction  to  have  been  part  of  the 
first  American  Division  in  Belgium ;  it  was  a  privilege  to  have  held 
and  fought  in  the  Ypres  Salient,  which  with  Verdun  is  the  most 
famous  spot  in  the  World- War,  but  it  was  with  a  decided  feeling  of 
relief  the  salient  was  turned  back  to  the  British  and  there  were  no 
regrets,  save  the  1st  Battalion  who  have  failed  to  find  "The  Lad}r 
of  Ypres,"  when  Flanders'  mud  was  left  behind.  The  journey 
by  train  lasted  twelve  hours — troops  detraining  at  Wavrans  west  of 
St.  Pol,  and  marching  to  a  billeting  area  east  of  St.  Pol;  Regi- 
mental Headquarters,  Headquarters  and  Machine  Gun  Companies 
to  Herlincourt,  1st  Battalion  to  Petit  Houvin,  2nd  Battalion  to 
Framecourt,  and  3rd  Battalion  to  Croisette.  On  detraining  at 
Wavrans  the  1st  Battalion  established  a  record  by  unloading  all 
troops  and  transportation  in  nineteen  minutes. 

This  was  by  far  the  most  beautiful  and  comfortable  area  in  which 
the  Regiment  was  ever  billeted.  Here  an  opportunity  was  given  to 
apply  in  training  what  had  been  learned  by  experience.  Fortu- 
nately there  was  a  tank  school  in  this  area,  so  all  ranks  had  an  op- 
portunity of  seeing  how  troops  should  work  in  connection  with 
heavy  tanks — Companies  "A,"  "E,"  and  "K"  giving  a  practical 
demonstration.  Such  an  opportunity  as  this  was  rarely  had  by 
American  troops,  and  the  knowledge  gained  here  was  doubtless  of 
great  value  in  future  operations  when  tanks  were  used. 

On  the  17th  and  18th  of  September  the  Division  was  moved  to 
the  Puchevillers  Area,  near  Albert.  This  Regiment  entrained  on 
the  17th  at  Petit  Houvin — the  transport  going  by  road,  and  staging 
for  the  night  of  the  17th  at  Bouque-Maison,  and  detrained  about 
six  hours  later  near  Acheux,  Regimental  Headquarters — Head- 
quarters and  Machine  Gun  Companies  and  1st  Battalion  going  to 
Acheux,  2nd  and  3rd  Battalions  to  Forceville,  and  the  Supply 
Company  to  Rosel. 

This  area,  until  a  few  weeks  before  the  arrival  of  the  Regiment, 
had  been  under  shell  fire.  A  few  of  the  inhabitants  were  just  be- 
ginning to  return.  The  entire  country  was  filled  with  wire  entangle- 
ments, trenches,  and  unsalvaged  ammunitions  of  every  description. 
A  perfect  training  ground;  no  crops,  no  houses,  no  hedges  to  bother 
about,  trenches  dug,  wire  up,  and  ammunition  to  be  had  on  every 
hand.  All  worked  hard  to  profit  by  this  wonderful  opportunity,  and 
the  training  was  concluded  in  this  area  by  a  regimental  problem  on 
the  23rd  of  September,  which,  strange  to  say,  fitted  nearly  exactly 
the  big  attack  the  Regiment  was  to  take  part  in  on  the  29th  of 
September. 

While  in  these  two  areas  the  following  changes  were  made  in  the 
officer  personnel :    Captains  Fuller,  Price,  and  Page  were  trans- 


■■:■ 


Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Infantry  19 

ferred  to  the  Service  of  Supply,  Captain  Byrcl  Avas  assigned  to 
"G"  Company,  Captain  St.  John  was  assigned  to  "M"  Company, 
Captain  Mays  was  assigned  to  "D"  Company,  Captain  Chapman, 
the  Begiment's  only  Eegular  Army  officer,  reported  and  was  as- 
signed to  "F"  Company.  Those  who  knew  Captain  Chapman  while 
at  Camp  Sevier  felt  the  Eegiment  was  to  be  congratulated  on  his 
assignment,  and  it  was  the  source  of  genuine  regret  when  he  was 
killed  in  the  first  action  with  the  Eegiment.  Major  Scott  was 
promoted  to  Lieutenant- Colonel,  but  requested  permission  to  remain 
in  command  of  his  battalion  until  after  the  approaching  operation. 

CHAPTEB  VII 

On  the  night  of  September  23,  1918,  the  Division  was  transferred 
to  the  4th  British  Army,  commanded  by  General  Eawlinson.  No 
one  knew  what  was  to  take  place,  but  each  man  in  the  Eegiment 
felt  the  time  had  come  for  the  Eegiment  to  prove  its  worth.  The 
Eegiment  was  formed  in  columns  of  two's  on  the  road  between 
Acheux  and  Forceville.  Lorry  after  lorry  rolled  into  place,  and  at 
8  :00  p.  M.  all  troops  were  embussed  and  ready  to  move  into  the 
night.  All  night  long  the  movement  continued  through  Albert, 
Peronne,  Doingt,  and  along  the  marshy  Somme.  With  the  sky 
growing  lighter  in  the  east  the  Eegiment  debussed  at  Cartigny  and 
marched  to  Tincourt.  Once  more  the  flash  of  guns  and  the  burst 
of  "Very  lights"  could  be  seen.  The  same  day  the  Eegiment  was 
joined  by  a  detail  of  Australian  officers  and  men,  who  were  to  give 
whatever  assistance  the  Eegiment  might  need;  and  from  these 
Australians  more  was  learned  in  the  short  period  they  were  with 
the  Eegiment,  particularly  as  regards  the  rationing  of  troops  in  the 
line,  than  in  the  entire  period  of  training.  In  the  afternoon  the 
Eegiment  marched  to  Hervilly.  Begimental  Headquarters  was  in  the 
side  of  a  sunken  road.  The  troops  were  scattered  wherever  room 
could  be  found,  the  mass  of  artillery,  infantry,  and  cavalry  filling 
the  entire  country. 

The  Eegiment  learned  that  in  front  of  it  lay  the  hitherto  im- 
pregnable positions  of  the  Hindenburg  Line,  against  which  many 
fruitless  attacks  had  been  made ;  that  the  British  Army  had  been 
given  the  task  of  fighting  the  only  decisive  battle  in  the  World- War ; 
that  the  place  of  honor  in  this  attack  between  Cambria  and  St. 
Quentin  had  been  given  the  -1th  British  Army ;  that  the  30th  Divi- 
sion, as  part  of  the  4th  British  Army,  would  attack  in  the  center 
with  the  46th  British  on  the  right  and  the  27th  American  on  the 
left;  that  the  119th  and  120th  Infantry  Eegiments  had  been 
selected  to  do  the  job,  with  the  117th  Infantry  to  follow  and  attack 
to  the  right  after  crossing  the  Canal,  and  118th  Infantry  as  Divi- 
sional Eeserve. 


20  Official  History  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtey 

This  Eegiment's  sector  of  the  Hinclenburg  S}7stem  consisted : 
First,  of  three  rows  of  heavy  barbed  wire,  woven  so  thick  as  to 
resemble  a  mass  of  vines  and  briars  intermingled — each  row  was 
from  thirty  to  forty  feet  in  depth,  and  to  which  the  artillery  fire  did 
but  little  damage ;  second,  three  rows  of  the  Hindenburg  trenches, 
on  which  four  years  of  work  had  been  spent;  third,  the  backbone 
of  the  entire  system,  Bellicourt,  the  St.  Quentin  Canal  Tunnel. 
This  Canal  passed  for  a  distance  of  6,000  yards  underground  from 
Le  Catlet  on  the  north  to  Eecquval  on  the  south.  It  had  been  built 
by  the  Great  Napoleon,  and  in  some  places  was  193  feet  under- 
ground. The  Germans  filled  the  Canal  with  barges,  lighted  it  with 
electric  lights,  and  fitted  it  with  dressing  stations.  On  the  barges 
accommodations  Avere  provided  for  a  division  of  troops,  where  they 
could  rest  secure  from  any  shell-fire.  The  end  of  the  tunnel  had 
been  closed  with  ferro-concrete  walls  with  openings  left  for  machine 
gun.  To  the  trench  system  and  to  the  town  of  Bellicourt.  overhead, 
ran  concrete  tunnels  through  which  troops  could  move  to  reinforce 
the  front  line  or  to  occupy  the  prepared  positions  in  Bellicourt; 
third,  the  Catlet-Nauroy  Line,  a  supporting  system;  and,  fourth, 
the  village  of  Nauroy,  which  had  been  prepared  for  defense.  Over 
the  entire  area  were  machine  guns  without  number,  not  only  the 
probable  approaches,  but  every  inch  of  front  was  covered  by  one 
or  more  guns.  The  Germans  believed  the  position  could  not  be 
taken,  and  even  when  lost  prisoners  would  not  believe  it  to  be 
possible,  and  laughed  at  those  who  would  tell  them. 

As  fast  as  information  was  secured  it  was  passed  on  to  unit  com- 
manders in  conference.  Later  on  this  same  information  was  pub- 
lished in  memorandums  and  distributed  down  to  and  including 
platoon  commanders.  Some  of  the  most  interesting  of  these 
memorandums,  together  with  the  attack  order,  are  given  in  the 
sequence  issued. 

LIQA 
(Code  name  of  Regiment) 

September  26.   1918. 
Memorandum  : 

1.  "Mopping  up"  parties,  as  soon  as  designated,  will  submit  a  plan  for 
mopping  up  areas  allotted  to  them.  They  will  provide  themselves  with  a 
plentiful  supply  of  phosphorus  bombs  in  addition  to  hand  grenades. 

2.  Battalion  Commanders  will  provide  themselves  with  signal  rockets, 
size  No.  32,  white  over  white  over  white.  These  will  be  fired  when  ob- 
jective is  reached. 

3.  Message  carrying  rockets  will  be  drawn. 

4.  Metal  disk  will  be  fastened  on  the  inside  of  gas  mask,  on  flap,  to  be 
shown  on  call  from  aircraft.  Only  men  in  the  front  line  should  show 
same.     All  ranks  will  be  provided  with  this  signal. 


Official  History  of  the  120tii  Infantry  21 

.">.  Red  flares  will  be  drawn  for  attacking  troops  which  will  be  lit  to 
indicate  the  new  line.  Four  or  five  should  be  lighted  in  a  group,  not 
more  than  :W  yards  apart,  and  only  on  signal. 

6.  Men  will  be  cautioned  to  keep  as  close  to  the  barrage  as  possible — 
possibly  within  25  yards  of  tanks — as  only  by  keeping  close  to  barrage  can 
casualties  be  avoided. 

7.  See  that  signal  lamps  are  ready,  and  that  message  maps  are  on 
hand  before  going  over. 

8.  Tanks:  Helmet  stuck  on  bayonet  attracts  attention  of  tank,  and  it 
should  be  pointed  in  direction  of  machine  gun  or  nest.  Tank  will  stop  to 
let  you  know  he  has  seen  signal.  Green  and  white  flag  from  tank  shows 
that  enemy  has  been  cleaned  up  and  advance  may  continue.  Yellow  and 
red  flag  indicates  that  tank  is  in  trouble — advance  will  continue  without 
tank.  Tanks  coming  out  of  action  fly  red,  white  and  blue  flag.  Five  (5) 
men  will  be  selected  from  each  battalion  to  go  with  tanks.  Good  men  will 
be  selected,  and  they  will  report  the  day  before  attack.  Some  Infantry 
may  be  required  to  proceed  tanks  to  look  out  for  mines — select  men  in  case 
they  should  be  called  for.  Regimental  and  Company  stretcher  bearers 
will  take  care  of  tank  wounded.  Send  message  by  D.  R.  to  Tank  Com- 
mander about  same.  All  men  will  be  cautioned  to  look  out  for  tanks  so  as 
to  avoid  being  run  over.  Infantry  will  assist  tanks  by  rushing  strong 
points. 

9.  Caution  men  again  about  Boche  traps,  and,  if  necessary,  use  Boche 
to  open  doors  of  dugouts  and  to  go  in  first. 

10.  Prisoners    will    be    sent    to    Battalion    Headquarters.      Officers    and 
i  X.  C.  O.'s  will  be  promptly  searched  and  separated  from  other  ranks.     A 

very  few  men  can  handle  a  large  number  of  Boche  prisoners. 

11.  Two  or  three  men  will  be  designated  on  the  flanks  of  each  battalion 
who  will  be  responsible  for  direction.  These  men  will  carry  prismatic 
compasses. 

12.  Packs  will  probably  be  put  in  dumps.  Each  man  going  over  only 
carries  rations  and  slicker.  These  packs  should  be  properly  made  and 
tagged. 

13.  Each  unit  commander  will  keep  in  touch  with  his  next  higher 
commander. 

14.  Impress  upon  all  men  that  speed  is  essential  to  success.  Clean  up 
as  the  advance  is  made,  and  leave  an  open  road  for  the  Australian  coming 
behind. 

John  0.  Walker, 

Capt.,  Operating  Officer,  for 

Commanding  Officer. 


22  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

LIQA 

September  27,  101S. 
SECRET: 
Field  Ordek  No.  30. 

Maps  J   62B  K  W"  1/20,000, 
)    62-C  N.  E.,    1/20,000. 

1.  Information: 

(a)  "Zed"  day  and  "H"  hour  this  Regiment  will  attack  the  enemy's 
positions  in  the  Hindenburg  Line.  The  46th  British  Division  will  attack 
on  our  right;    the  119th  Infantry  will  attack  on  our  left. 

(b)  Attack  will  be  made  after  a  preliminary  bombardment  under  a 
creeping  barrage,  and  supported  by  tanks. 

(c)  This  Regiment  will  be  followed  by  the  117th  Infantry,  who  will 
attack  south  and  east  of  the  Canal. 

(d)  The  117th  Infantry  will  be  followed  by  the  5th  Australian  Division, 
which  will  pass  through  this  Regiment  when  final  objective  has  been  taken, 
and  go  forward  to  their  objective. 

2.  Plan  : 

(a)  This  Regiment  will  attack  with  the  3rd  Battalion  on  the  right, 
2nd  Battalion  on  the  left,  and  1st  Battalion  in  sirpport. 

(b)  Regimental  Boundaries : 

Southern  limit— G  20  b  4.4  to  G  12  d  0.0. 

Northern  limit — From  G  8  c  central,  along  Sentinel  Ridge  and  Sunken 
Road  through  center  of  Bellicourt  to  railroad  G  4  d  0.3,  along  railroad  to 
Sunken  Road  G  5  d  7.6,  east  to  objective. 

(c)  Inter-Battalion  Boundary :  From  G  14  c  6.2,  along  Ridge  to  G  10  c 
5.6  on  Canal  Tunnel,  up  Riqueval  Ravine  to  Sunken  Road,  and  east  along 
trench  to  objective. 

(d)  Regimental  Objective:  G  6  a  6.0  to  G  6  d  4.4  to  G  12  b  5.5  to 
G  12  b  0.0  to  G  12  d  0.0. 

(e)  Line  taken  will  not  be  consolidated. 

3.  Dispositions  : 

(a)  3rd  Battalion:  3rd  Battalion  will  attack  with  two  Companies  in  the 
front  line  and  two  in  support.  A  Company  from  the  117th  Infantry  will 
attack  on  the  right  of  the  3rd  Battalion  as  far  as  Canal  Bank.  This  Com- 
pany will  be  under  the  command  of  the  C.  O.  3rd  Battalion  until  the  attack 
is  launched.     This  Company  will  be  supported  by  a  Company  of  M.  G.'s. 

2nd  Battalion:  2nd  Battalion  will  attack  on  the  left  with  two  Com- 
panies in  the  front  line  and  two  Companies  in  support. 

1st  Battalion:  1st  Battalion  will  detail  one  Company  to  "mop  up" 
Bellicourt,  one  Company  to  "mop  up"  trenches  in  the  Hindenburg  Line, 
one-half  Company  to  seize  and  hold  the  southern  exit  of  the  Canal  Tunnel, 
and  remainder  of  this  Company  to  seize  and  hold  exits  on  Tunnel.     Units 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Ixfantry  23 

to  seize  and  hold  all  known  exits  from  Canal  will  be  detailed  at  once,  and 
will  go  straight  to  objective.  The  remaining  Company  will  be  disposed  of 
by  the  Battalion  Commander.  All  troops  not  otherwise  used,  and  can  be 
sjiared  from  mopping  up  trenches,  will  assist  in  mopping  up  Bellicourt. 

(b)  Attacking  Battalions  will  attack  with  first  wave  in  skirmish  lines, 
with  30  yards  between  lines.  The  second  wave  of  the  Attacking  Battalions 
will  be  in  combat  groups,  30  yards  in  rear  of  first  wave.  The  Support 
Companies  of  Attacking  Battalions  will  follow  second  wave  at  50  yards. 
Support  Companies  will  be  in  combat  groups.  Support  Battalion  will 
follow  Support  Companies  of  Attacking  Battalions  at  50  yards,  and  will 
be  in  combat  groups. 

(c)  Special  Units: 

( 1 )  Trench  Mortars :  Two  T.  M.'s  will  report  to  each  battalion  com- 
mander on  Zed  minus  one  day.  Remaining  two  T.  M.'s  will  go  forward 
with  the  first  wave,  and  are  assigned  the  special  task  of  covering  the 
southern  exist  of  Canal  Tunnel. 

(2)  Machine  Guns:  Two  M.  G.'s  will  report  on  Zed  minus  one  day  to 
each  battalion  commander  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  his  flanks.  Two 
M.  G.'s  will  report  to  left  battalion  commander,  and  will  move  forward 
between  the  Attacking  Battalions.  The  remaining  M.  G.'s,  under  the 
command  of  the  M.  G.  Officer,  will  move  forward  in  the  rear  of  the  Support 
Battalion,  and  will  be  used  to  replace  guns  knocked  out  or  on  special 
targets. 

(3)  31 -mm.  Guns:  One  37-mm.  gun  will  report  on  Zed  minus  one  day 
to  each  battalion  commander. 

(4)  Pioneer  Platoon:  Pioneer  Platoon  will  follow  Support  Battalion, 
and  will  place  sign-boards  indicating  routes  forward  to  Battalion  Head- 
quarters. They  will  also  prepare  crossings  necessary  to  get  transports 
forward.  When  Support  Battalion  halts  at  their  objective  they  will  push 
forward  and  mark  routes  to  Attacking  Battalion  Headquarters. 

(d)  Jumping-off  line  will  be  tapes  on  Zed  minus  one  night.  Troops 
will  be  on  tape  at  H,  minus  one  hour.  Covering  parties  will  be  with- 
drawn at  H,  minus  15  minutes.  Tanks  should  be  in  place  at  H,  minus 
10  minutes,  and  troops  will  immediately  close  up  on  tanks.  If  tanks  fail 
to  arrive  when  barrage  is  put  down,  troops  will  close  up  to  barrage. 

(e)  Creeping  barrage  will  lift  100  yards  every  3  minutes  until  Canal 
Tunnel  is  passed.  Barrage  will  halt  15  minutes  500  yards  east  of  Canal 
Tunnel.  When  advance  is  resumed  creeping  barrage  will  move  at  rate  of 
100  yards  in  4  minutes,  until  final  objective  is  reached.  Beyond  final 
objective  it  will  be  put  down  for  a  period. 

(f)  Tanks:  Instructions  previously  given  in  regard  to  tanks  will  be 
followed.  Guides  will  be  furnished  each  tank  to  bring  them  to  their  posi- 
tion on  the  tape. 

4.  (a)  Liaison  will  be  from  right  to  left.  All  units  will  send  liaison 
agents  to  the  unit  on  their  left.     Each  Attacking  Battalion  will  send  one 


24  Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtry 

officer  to  Regimental  Headquarters  on  Zed  minus  one  day,  for  liaison  pur- 
poses. Each  battalion  will  send  7  men  to  Regimental  Headquarters  on 
Zed  minus  one  day,  as  runners. 

(b)  An  advance  report  center  will  be  established  in  dugouts  G  14  d  4.6, 
where  wire  communication  will  be  found.  Final  objective  taken,  center  of 
information  will  be  found  in  Sunken  Road  near  G  11  a  1.1. 

(c)  Liaison  with  aircraft  as  previously  instructed. 

(d)  Attacking  troops  will  be  equipped  according  to  instructions  pre- 
viously issued. 

(e)  Troops  will  be  especially  warned  to  keep  out  of  dugouts  until  they 
have  been  investigated  by  special  troops. 

(f)  Guides  to  maintain  direction  will  be  on  the  right,  left,  and  center 
of  each  Attacking  Battalion.  Guides  will  be  cautioned  that  in  smoke 
screen  flaming  shells  will  be  fired  to  indicate  position  of  barrage,  but  this 
can  not  be  relied  upon.  Compasses  must  be  used.  Compasses  will  be 
checked  on  Zed  minus  one  day. 

(g)  Administrative  instructions  follow: 

5.     Regimental  Headquarters  at  L  23  b  7.0,  moving  to  G  14  d  4.6  final 

objective  taken.     Will  move  forward  to  Hindcnburg  Line  when  Bellicourt 

has  been  mopped  up. 

John  0.  Walker, 

Capt.,  Operation  Officer,  for 

Commanding  Officer. 


LIQA 

September  27,  1918. 
Memorandum  : 

1.  Aloppers  up  will  take  care  of  prisoners,  forward  battalions  to  send 
no  one  back. 

2.  Xotify  men  about  sound  of  machine  bullets  in  barrage.  Also  caution 
them  that  shells,  apparently  coming  from  the  rear,  are  long  range  German 
shells  from  the  flanks. 

3.  Don't  call  for  S.  0.  S.  barrage  15  minutes  before  zero  hour — you 
won't  get  it.     Zero  hour  not  to  be  written  by  any  one. 

4.  All  officers  and  N.  C.  O.'s  will  get  all  the  rest  possible  on  the  28th. 
All  men  must  keep  out  of  sight  during  the  day.  Scatter  troops  as  much 
as  possible. 

5.  Tape  line  will  be  occupied  by  4:30  A.  m.  on  zero  day.  Covering 
detachments  will  be  withdrawn  15  minutes  before  zero. 

6.  One  officer  from  each  battalion  to  join  tanks  about  2,500  yards  in 
rear  and  guide  them  to  tape  line  or  jumping  off  place.  Tank  should  reach 
jumping  off-  place  about  10  minutes  before  zero  hour. 

7.  Barrage  will  advance  at  rate  of  3  minutes  per  100  yards,  until  after 
Canal  is  crossed,  where  it  will  halt  500  yards  away  for  15  minutes.  When 
movement  is  resumed  advance  will  be  at  rate  of  100  vards  in  4  minutes. 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  25 

Attacking  Battalions  must  not  forget  this   500  yards  is  to  be  closed  up. 
It  will  take  3  hours  and  34  minutes  for  barrage  to  reach  final  objective. 

8.  Don't  mistake  heavy  counter  battery  work  for  barrage. 

9.  On  day  before  attack  watches  will  be  synchronized  three  times,  and 
officers  required  to  check  watches  so  they  will  know  exact  time  of  zero 
hour. 

10.  Men  must  not  leave  holes  and  dugouts  they  are  assigned  to  guard, 
except  on  orders  from  an  officer.     These  details  are  to  be  made  beforehand. 

11.  Attacking  Battalions  are  responsible  for  mopping  up  beyond  Canal. 

12.  Entire  town  of  Bellicourt  will  be  taken  and  mopped  up  by  one 
Company  from  this  Regiment.  Details  will  be  made  by  mopping  up  bat- 
talion to  seize  and  hold  mouth  of  Tunnel  and  all  exits.  When  Company 
mopping  up  trenches  has  finished  its  job,  located  and  left  guards  at  each 
exit,  they  will  join  Company  in  town  and  help  out  there.  Detail  for  mouth 
of  Tunnel  should  consist  one-half  Company,  Lewis  guns,  and  two  machine 
guns.     Two  trench  mortars  will  also  be  used. 

13.  Moppers  up  must  have  plenty  of  phosphorus  grenades. 

14.  Remind  men  after  tanks  stop  to  follow  barrage,  otherwise  keep  in 
rear  of  tanks.  Infantry  will  be  ready  to  drop  in  trench  as  soon  as  tanks 
cross. 

15.  Leading  elements  are  to  go  through  and  around  obstacles,  leaving 
cleaning  up  to  rear  parties. 

16.  Americans— keep  off  of  roads  leading  to  rear;  they  must  be  kept 
open  for  Australian  Artillery.  When  artillery  is  captured  a  guard  must 
be  placed  on  guns  so  sights  can  not  be  removed.  We  want  the  guns  to 
fire  on  the  Germans. 

17.  Scouts  will  be  placed  in  front  of  tanks  to  look  out  for  mines  and 
traps  up  to  Canal. 

18.  If  artillery  moves  forward,  nearest  battalion  commander  will  fur- 
nish guard  of  one  platoon  for  protection,  if  called  on  by  the  artillery 
commander. 

19.  Water  bottles  to  every  other  man.  Caution  men  to  get  water 
bottles,  ammunition,  and  food  from  the  dead. 

20.  Get  prisoners  out  in  groups  as  rapidly  as  possible. 

21.  Put  guard  on  any  aircraft  which  may  come  down. 

SUMMARY 

(a)    Assaulting  troops  keep  as  close  as  possible  to  barrage. 
(bi    Mopping  up  should  be  complete. 

(c)  Keep  information  coming  to  the  rear  promptly  and  accurately. 
Time  of  event  should  be  in  body  of  message. 

(d)  All  men  will  be  given  all  information  in  regard  to  the  attack  at 

once-  Johiv  O.  Walker, 

Capt.,  Operation  Officer,  for 

Commanding  Officer. 


26  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

liqa 

September  28,   1918. 

Memorandum  :    To  Battalion  and  Separate  Unit  Commanders. 

1.  Zero  hour  will  be .     When  your  units  are  lined  up  and   in 

place  one  hour  before  zero  hour,  notify  these  Headquarters  by  code  word 
"Pork." 

2.  The  27th  Division  failed  in  its  mission  yesterday,  and  will  fight  its 
way  to  its  jumping  off  place  to-morrow  morning. 

3.  The  barrage  will  fall  at  the  designated  place  at  zero  hour. 

4.  Time  table  is  changed  as  follows,  and  will  remain  on  the  original 
barrage  line  4  minutes  instead  of  3 : 

Each  successive  leap  will  be  4  minutes.     It  will  halt  for  15  minutes  on 
line  previously  designated. 

Change  your  time  tables  accordingly. 

5.  The  commanding  officer  of  3rd  Battalion  will  notify  attached  units 
as  to  location  of  clearing  stations. 

By  order  of  Colonel  Minor. 
John  0.  Walker, 

Capt.,  Operation  Officer. 


The  change  in  the  rate  of  advance  by  the  barrage,  one  minute 
slower  in  each  100  yards  up  to  the  Canal,  required  4  hours  instead 
of  3  hours  and  34  minutes  for  it  to  cross  final  objective. 

Prior  to  the  attack  the  gallant  Captain  Dixon,  who  was  in- 
stantly killed  while  leading  his  men  after  having  been  previously 
wounded  three  times,  called  the  men  of  his  company  together,  and 
they  solemnly  pledged  themselves  to  carry  through  to  the  abjective, 
though  only  one  man  he  left.  Captain  Leonard  counted  his  eggs 
and  entrusted  them  to  "Peter,"  who  so  far  forgot  the  war  as  to 
chase  crippled  quail  in  the  midst  of  the  enemy  counter  harrage. 
Major  Graham,  who  in  this  and  future  actions  called  loudly  and 
successfully  for  hot  coffee  at  each  halt,  saw  to  his  coffee  and  his 
coffee-pot.  Mr.  Bitter,  the  "Y"  man,  collected  thousands  of  francs 
from  the  men,  either  to  keep  until  they  came  out  of  the  line  or  to 
send  to  some  one  at  home.  Each  officer  and  man  was  intent  on 
making  the  job  a  success,  but  each  one  could  not  help  but  wonder  if 
the  morrow  spelt  "safety,"'  "blighty,"  or  "gone  west"  for  him. 

The  attack  was  to  be  launched  at  5  :50  a.  m.  on  the  morning  of 
the  29th,  so  on  the  night  of  the  27-28  this  Eegiment  relieved  the 
118th  Infantry  in  the  right  of  the  Divisional  Sector.  For  48  hours 
prior  to  the  attack  the  enemy  defenses  were  under  a  continuous 
bombardment.  Prisoners  taken  later  stated  the  shell-fire  was  so 
terrible  it  was  impossible  to  bring  up  food  and  supplies.    Prisoners 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  27 

also  stated  that  the  attack  was  expected,  as  a  British  plane  with  a 
barrage  map  had  been  shot  down,  but  the  zero  hour  was  not  known. 

At  4 :30  a.  m.  all  troops  were  reported  on  the  tape — the  3rd 
Battalion  on  the  right,  the  2nd  Battalion  on  the  left,  and  the  1st 
Battalion  in  support.  All  troops  were  moved  away  from  the 
trenches,  as  the  enemy  counter  barrage  was  expected  to  come  clown 
promptly  on  the  trench  system,  the  tanks  lumbered  into  position — 
everything  was  ready.  Promptly  at  5  :50  a.  m.  the  barrage  from 
fourteen  brigades  of  artillery,  in  addition  to  the  heavies,  came  clown. 
To  this  was  added  the  machine  gun  barrage  of  all  guns  of  the  three 
battalions  of  machine  guns.  The  machine  gun  barrage  started  a 
second  ahead  of  the  artillery.  The  troops  who  had  closed  up  as 
close  as  safety  permitted  to  the  barrage  shook  themselves  out  as 
they  moved  away.  All  was  going  well  when  there  settled  over  the 
entire  area  a  fog  so  dense,  which,  combined  with  the  smoke  in  the 
barrage,  made  it  impossible  to  see  more  than  six  yards  away. 
Officers  lost  all  control  over  their  troops.  The  success  of  the  attack 
now  depended  upon  the  individual,  and  the  advantage  of  giving 
each  man  as  much  information  as  possible  was  clearly  seen,  for 
without  hesitation  the  men  moved  on  and  on.  At  7  :25  a.  m.  the 
main  Hindenburg  System  had  been  crossed,  and  the  mopping  up 
battalion  was  maintaining  a  constant  flow  of  prisoners  to  the  rear. 
At  11:30  a.  m.  Xauroy  was  occupied,  the  Begiment  was  on  the  ob- 
jective, and  the  Australians  had  passed  through.  At  11 :45  a.  m. 
the  cleaning  up  of  Bellicourt  was  completed.  A  part  of  the  117th 
Infantry  crossed  the  Canal,  and  attacked  to  the  right  and  along  the 
east  side  of  the  Canal. 

This  Brigade  was  the  first  unit  on  the  entire  British  front  to 
break  through  the  Hindenburg  Line ;  this  Begiment  was  the  only 
unit  taking  all  of  its  objectives  in  this  great  attack  on  time.  Ger- 
man officers  captured,  when  convinced  the  line  was  broken,  said  in 
despair,  "All  is  lost — there  is  nothing  between  you  and  the  Bhine." 
The  piles  of  empty  shells  at  each  machine  gun  emplacement,  and 
the  casualty  list,  testified  to  the  bitterness  of  the  fighting.  The 
Begiment  had  proven  its  fighting  worth,  and  had  earned  the  con- 
fidence of  its  allied  comrades.  The  spoils  captured  were  enormous, 
but  were  left  for  salvage,  uncounted. 

After  the  fight  was  over  the  units  were  assembled  in  a  support 
position,  and  all  expected  the  Begiment  would  pass  through  the 
Australians  for  another  attack,  but  instead  of  attacking  the  Division 
was  withdrawn  from  the  line  for  a  few  days. 


28  Official  Histokt  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtey 


CHAPTEE  VIII 

On  October  the  1st,  when  the  Division  was  withdrawn  from  the 
line,  this  Eegiment  moved  by  marching  to  the  Tincourt  Area.  On 
October  the  2nd  the  movement  continued,  the  Eegiment  marching 
to  Belloy,  west  of  Peronne.  This  area  had  been  fought  over  for 
four  years,  changing  hands  time  and  again;  as  a  result,  it  was  a 
perfect  example  of  destruction — of  many  villages  nothing  remained, 
no  one  would  have  known  a  house  had  ever  existed  but  for  the 
signboard  marking  the  site.  It  was  hard  to  realize  that  this,  the 
Somme  Country,  had  at  one  time  been  the  most  productive  part  of 
France.  On  October  the  5th  the  Eegiment  returned  to  the  Tincourt 
Area,  and  on  October  the  6th  the  movement  continued  to  Villeret. 

On  the  night  of  the  4-5  of  October  the  Division,  with  the  59th 
Brigade  in  line,  relieved  the  2nd  Australian  Division.  The  59th 
Brigade,  which  had  an  easy  time  on  the  29th,  was  to  attack  on  the 
morning  of  the  8th  from  the  vicinity  of  Montbrehain.  The  27th 
American  Division  composed  the  reserve  for  the  2nd  American 
Corps.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  8th  of  October  this  Eegiment,  less 
the  1st  and  2nd  Battalions,  moved  to  Joncourt. 

The  1st  and  2nd  Battalions  were  sent  forward  on  the  8th  as 
reserve  battalions  for  the  59th  Brigade.  Two  companies,  "A"  and 
"B/'  were  used  in  the  front  line  near  Premont,  and  "D"  Company 
was  used  in  the  taking  and  mopping  up  of  Brancourt. 

On  the  night  of  October  8-9  orders  were  received  at  2  :00  a.  m. 
for  this  Eegiment  to  follow  the  118th  Infantry  of  the  59th  Brigade, 
holding  the  general  line  Premont-Brancourt  in  an  attack  to  be 
launched  at  5  :30  a.  m.  Three  hours  and  a  half  is  an  exceedingly 
short  time  in  which  to  prepare  orders  and  distribute  them  to  the 
troops  under  the  best  of  conditions.  The  orders  were  quickly  pre- 
pared and  distributed  to  the  3rd  Battalion,  Machine  Gun  Company, 
and  Headquarters  Company,  who  were  well  in  hand.  Officers,  who 
fortunately  had  the  use  of  the  Brigade  Commander's  car,  left  to  get 
in  touch  with  the  1st  and  2nd  Battalions.  At  the  59th  Brigade 
Headquarters  they  were  told  that  they,  the  59th  Brigade,  had  not 
notified  the  battalions  of  this  Eegiment  that  the  command  had 
returned  to  the  60th  Brigade,  and,  furthermore,  they  only  had  time 
to  notify  their  own  units.  In  spite  of  the  lack  of  assistance  given 
by  this  Brigade  the  battalions  were  located,  and  the  battalion  com- 
manders by  almost  superhuman  effort  collected  their  companies 
and  followed  the  118th  Infantry — the  2nd  Battalion  on  the  right, 
the  1st  Battalion  on  the  left,  and  the  3rd  Battalion  in  support.  In 
this  and  in  future  engagements  the  3rd  Battalion,  in  support,  was 
engaged  shortly  after  the  attacking  battalions  went  into  action. 
This  Eegiment  was  to  pass  through  the  118th  Infantry,  when  it 
reached  its  objective,  and  should  have  done  so  about  10  ;00  a.  m. 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  29 

The  118th  was  held  up,  however,  by  machine  gun  fire  from  the 
right,  and  this  Eegiment  did  not  pass  through  and  take  its  objective 
until  -A  :00  p.  m.  The  villages  of  Becquigny  and  La  Haie  Meneresse 
and  the  Bois  De  Busigny  were  taken,  and  a  platoon  from  the  3rd 
Battalion  was  diverted  to  assist  in  taking  the  town  of  Bohain, 
where  the  unit  on  the  right  was  held  up. 

The  Commanding  Officer  of  "Q"  Company,  as  usual,  went  in 
with  sworcl  in  one  hand  and  spade  in  the  other — close  on  his  heels 
came  his  orderly,  Turner,  with  an  S.  0.  S.  rocket,  which  neither 
one  knew  how  to  use. 

On  the  morning  of  the  10th  the  advance  continued,  and  after 
severe  fighting  the  town  of  Vaux  Andigny  was  taken.  This  posi- 
tion was  enfiladed  from  the  Bellvue  Farm  on  the  right,  and,  as  the 
right  of  the  Eegiment  was  nearly  3,000  yards  in  the  air,  the  troops 
were  withdrawn  a  few  hundred  yards  to  the  western  edge  of  A'aux 
Andigny.  On  the  morning  of  the  11th  the  118th  Infantry,  who 
had  come  up  too  late  to  take  care 'of  the  right  of  this  Eegiment, 
attacked  through  this  Eegiment,  but  was  unable  to  advance  more 
than  200  yards.  On  the  evening  of  the  11th  the  line  was  estab- 
lished east  of  Vaux  Andigny,  and  the  2nd  and  3rd  Battalions, 
this  Eegiment,  established  touch  with  the  6th  British  Division  on 
the  right.  On  the  night  of  the  11th  this  Eegiment  was  relieved  by 
a  regiment  from  the  27th  Division  and  proceeded  by  marching  to 
Brancourt.  On  the  morning  of  the  10th  Major  Bocldie  was 
wounded,  and  Captain  Stone  took  command  of  the  3rd  Battalion. 

In  this  and  future  engagements  the  Machine  Gun  Company  and 
the  special  units  were  divided  between  the  three  battalions,  and 
advanced  with  them. 

The  country  fought  over  was  hilly,  with  many  woods  and  plenty 
of  hedges,  making  an  ideal  country  for  the  effective  use  of  machine 
guns.  The  enemy  gave  up  no  ground  without  a  fight,  and  was 
apparently  making  a  desperate  effort  to  hold  the  line  of  the  La  Selle 
Eiver. 

CHAPTEE  IX 

At  Brancourt  the  men  were  given  as  much  rest  as  possible,  about 
the  only  detail  work  done  was  to  bury  dead  horses  and  Boches. 
Improvised  bathing  facilities  were  made  and  every  one  had  a  bath 
of  a  kind. 

On  the  night  of  October  15-16  orders  were  received  for  an  attack 
by  the  Division  on  the  morning  of  the  17th.  The  59th  Brigade 
took  over  the  line  in  the  same  place  it  had  been  turned  over  to  the 
27th  Division,  and  the  entire  divisional  front  was  the  front  of  this 
Eegiment  in  the  last  operation. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  16th  the  Eegiment  moved  from  Bran- 
court to  a  wooded  area  on  west  of  railroad  and  west  of  Becquigny ; 
during   the    night   the   woods   were    shelled    by    the    enemy,    and 


30  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

some  casualties  were  inflicted.  On  the  morning  of  the  17th  the 
Eegiment  was  formed  up  with  the  2nd  Battalion  on  the  right,  the 
1st  Battalion  on  the  left,  and  the  3rd  Battalion  in  support.  The 
59th  Brigade  attacked  at  zero  hour  behind  a  creeping  barrage,  and 
supported  by  tanks  storming  the  heights  of  the  La  Selle  Biver. 
This  Eegiment,  following  the  118th  at  2,000  yards,  was  to  pass 
through  and  carry  on  when  they  reached  their  objective,  but  as  the 
118th  Infantry  did  not  reach  their  objective  this  Eegiment  did  not 
pass  through.  On  the  night  of  the  17th  the  line  held  by  the  118th 
Infantry  was  taken  over  by  this  Eegiment;  the  119th  taken  over 
from  the  117th  Infantry  on  the  right,  the  27th  Division 
(American)  being  on  the  left  of  this  Eegiment.  At  5:30  A.  M.  on 
the  mornings  of  the  18th  and  19th  the  Eegiment  attacked  success- 
fully, taking  the  town  of  Mazinghein,  and  advancing  to  heights 
west  of  Caillon  and  overlooking  the  Sambre  Canal.  The  country 
fought  over  was  very  similar  to  that  in  the  vicinity  of  Vaux 
Andigny,  and  the  desperate  resistance  of  the  enemy  resulted  in  but 
few  prisoners  being  taken — practically  all  of  the  enemy  having  to 
be  killed. 

One  battalion  of  the  118th  Infantry  was  furnished  this  Eegiment 
as  a  reserve,  but  it  never  became  necessary  to  use  it,  so  during  the 
entire  fighting  it  followed  this  Eegiment  at  about  1,000  yards. 

The  Division  had  now  become  so  depleted  in  strength  it  was 
withdrawn  to  be  refilled  and  refitted,  the  line  being  taken  over  by 
the  1st  British  Division  on  the  night  of  October  19-29 ;  this  Eegi- 
ment on  relief  going  to  St.  Souplet;  on  the  20th  the  movement 
continued  to  Busigny;  on  the  21st  to  Xauroy;  on  the  22nd  to 
Tincourt;  and  on  the  23rd  the  Eegiment  entrained  at  Tincourt, 
detraining  at  Heilly  and  marching  to  a  billeting  area  about  10 
miles  north  of  Amiens.  Headquarters  1st  and  2nd  Battalions  going 
to  Montigny,  3rd  Battalion  and  Headquarters  and  Machine  Gun 
Companies  to  Brancourt  Sur  L'Hallue,  and  Supply  Company  to 
Lahoussoye. 

CHAPTEE  X 

Shortly  after  reaching  the  Montigny  area  the  Eegiment  received 
about  300  replacements,  these  were  the  first  replacements  received 
by  the  Eegiment,  also  a  good  many  men  who  had  been  wounded  at 
Ypres  were  returned  to  their  organizations. 

While  at  Montigny  the  first  and  only  Eegimental  Party  was  held. 
It  was  given  to  the  officers  of  the  Eegiment  by  those  officers  who 
had  been  promoted  while  in  France,  a  great  many  escaped  by  being 
wounded.  The  only  outside  officers  were  the  Colonel  of  the  119th 
Infantry,  the  Chief  of  Staff,  and  G  1.  The  Brigade  Commander 
was  greatly  opposed  to  the  party,  expressing  the  belief  it  would  be 
nothing  but  a  "caribou  wallow."    While  it  was  not  known  exactly 


Official  History  of  the  120tpi  Ixfaxtry  31 

what  he  meant,  it  was  gathered  that  a  "caribou  wallow1'  was  quite 
a  function  in  the  Old  Eegular  Army.  The  party  was  a  great  suc- 
cess, only  one  casualty,  and  two  missing.  It  was  hoped  to  have  had 
another,  but  an  opportunity  never  offered  itself,  much  to  the 
regret  of  all. 

Training  was  started  as  soon  as  the  men  were  given  a  very  brief 
rest,  every  effort  being  made  to  correct  errors  developed  in  actual 
combat.  While  every  man  felt  the  end  was  not  far  distant,  the 
Eegiment  fully  expected  to  jump  off  at  least  once  more  before  the 
collapse  came — so  the  morning  of  the  11th  of  November  found  the 
Eegiment  engaged  in  a  problem  preparing  for  an  attack  the  latter 
part  of  the  week.  Just  as  the  problem  was  about  to  begin,  at 
10  :00  a.  m.,  a  message  was  received  announcing  the  signing  of  the 
Armistice.  The  troops  were  told  the  good  news,  the  problem  called 
off,  and  a  holiday  declared. 

After  the  Armistice,  until  the  Eegiment  embarked  for  home, 
work  was  carried  on,  but  now  the  incentive  was  lacking,  and  it 
became  more  and  more  difficult  to  maintain  interest  or  enthusiasm 
in  doing  ""impossible  problems  on  impassable  roads." 

A  week  after  the  Armistice  the  Division  was  transferred  from 
the  British  to  the  American  Army  in  the  Le  Mans  Embarkation 
Area.  This  Eegiment  marched  to  Corbie  where  it  entrained,  de- 
training at  Beaumont  and  inarching  to  billets;  Begimental  Head- 
quarters, Headquarters  and  Supply  Companies  to  Segrie ;  3rd  Bat- 
talion to  Yernie,  2nd  Battalion  to  Meseziers,  and  Machine  Gun 
Company  to  Asse  Le  Eiboul.  The  villages  of  St.  Christopher,  St. 
Sabine,  and  Sille  were  also  used  later  on.  This  area  was  in  every 
respect  the  most  unsatisfactory  in  which  the  Eegiment  was  ever 
billeted. 

The  Division  was  reviewed  and  inspected  by  General  Pershing, 
Commander-in-Chief,  on  January  21,  1919.  A  few  days  later  it 
moved  by  marching  to  the  Forwarding  Camp  at  Le  Mans,  stopping 
for  one  night  en  route  in  the  Montbizot  area. 

While  in  the  Montigny  area  Major  Graham  was  sent  home  to 
command  new  troops  as  a  Lieutenant-Colonel,  but  his  promotion 
was  stopped  by  the  Armistice.  Major  Comstock  was  assigned  to  the 
Eegiment  and  placed  in  command  of  the  2nd  Battalion.  Captain 
Leonard,  who  had  been  in  command  of  the  1st  Battalion,  and 
Captain  Jenkins  were  promoted  to  Majors,  the  latter  going  to  the 
3rd  Battalion.  A  new  lot  of  most  excellent  Lieutenants  were  also 
assigned  to  the  Eegiment.  At  Segrie  and  Forwarding  Camp  a 
great  many  changes  were  made,  many  officers  going  to  the  Army 
of  Occupation  and  were  replaced  by  officers  from  the  3rd  Division, 
most  of  whom  were  later  sent  home  with  casual  troops  from 
Bordeaux.  Several  officers  left  to  take  advantage  of  the  courses 
offered  at  British  and  French  LTniversities.  Lieutenant- Colonel 
Scott,  now  Colonel  Scott,  took  command  of  the  Eegiment — Colonel 


32  Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Ixfantry 

Minor  assuming  command  of  the  Brigade.  Major  McClintock  was 
given  the  3rd  Battalion  and  Major  Walker  the  2nd  Battalion. 

Early  in  March  the  Regiment  was  moved  by  rail  from  the  For- 
warding Camp  to  the  Embarkation  Camp  at  St.  iSTazaire.  This 
camp  was  the  best  in  every  respect  in  which  this  Regiment  had  been 
located  and  was  a  credit  to  those  in  charge.  The  final  decision  to 
land  the  Division  in  Charleston  instead  of  New  York  delayed  the 
sailing,  and  it  was  not  until  the  1st  of  April  that  the  last  of  this 
Regiment  cleared  for  home.  The  Regiment  had  been  broken  into 
detachments  after  having  been  filled  to  strength,  and  now  every 
state  in  the  Union  was  represented,  except  three,  so  each  one  felt 
when  half  of  the  Regiment  with  the  Regimental  Commander  sailed 
on  IT.  S.  Transport  Poivhatan  that  he  was  bidding  his  friends  a  last 
farewell.  Fortunately  two  days  later  the  remainder  of  the  Regi- 
ment embarked  on  U.  S.  Transport  Martha  Washington,  and  the 
Regiment  was  together  again  at  Camp  Jackson  before  being 
mustered  out. 

The  voyage  over  was  uneventful.  The  naval  officers  and  men 
endeavored  to  make  the  return  home  as  pleasant  as  possible ;  the 
troops  were  landed  at  Charleston,  where  they  were  well  taken  care 
of  by  the  Red  Cross.  An  hour  after  landing  the  first  train  pulled 
out  for  Camp  Jackson,  Columbia,  South  Carolina. 

On  the  16th  of  April  the  Regiment  paraded  in  Charlotte.  North 
Carolina.  The  people  of  this  Carolina  city  gave  the  Regiment  a 
royal  welcome,  and  their  unstinted  hospitality  will  always  be  a 
cherished  memory  to  all  ranks. 

On  the  17th  practically  every  man  had  received  his  little  red 
chevron  and  his  Honorable  Discharge — men  who  had  lived,  suffered, 
and  fought  together  were  going  home.  There  was  many  a  tear  in 
many  an  eye  as  hands  were  clasped  for  the  last  time.  They  had 
written  the  history  of  their  Regiment,  a  record  of  their  successes — 
a  record  that  needs  no  explanation  or  apology. 

For  our  British  comrades  in  arms  the  Regiment  has  the  highest 
regard.  We  often  disagreed,  but  they  accepted  us  and  treated  us 
as  one  of  their  own.  They  gave  us  their  splendid  Australian 
Artillery,  they  feci  us,  they  equipped  us,  they  clothed  us,  they  pro- 
tected us  in  the  air,  and  we  profited  by  their  four  years  of  experi- 
ence in  warfare.  We  feel  honored  in  having  been  selected  to  serve 
with  them;  we  feel  their  Generals  are  our  Generals,  their  armies 
our  armies,  and  their  successes  our  successes. 

To  our  French  interpreters — the  "Duke,"  the  "Count,"  and 
M.  Jacques  Rouilly,  who  was  killed  in  action — we  express  our 
thanks.  Their  services  were  honest,  faithful,  and  efficient.  The 
interest  of  the  Regiment  Avas  safe  in  their  hands. 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 


33 


CHAPTER  XI 

The  only  places  in  France  which  hold  the  affections  and  loving 
memory  of  this  Regiment  are  those  little  bits  of  hallowed  ground 
in  Flanders'  Fields,  and  the  desolate  country  of  the  Somme,  where 
those  of  this  Regiment  who  gave  their  lives  heroically  for  humanity 
sleep  side  by  side  with  the  brave  men  of  many  lands — in  the  most 
glorious  death  that  comes  to  man. 

"Sleep,  Soldiers!      Still  in  honored  rest, 
Your  truth  and  valor  wearing; 
The  bravest  are  the  tenderest — 
The  loving  are  the  daring." 


APPEXDIX  "A" 

The   Battle   Casualties   of   the'  Regiment,   with   dates,   were   as 
follows : 

Date  Killed  Wounded         Prisoners 

Ypkes   Sector —  '  )  3  Officers  6  Officers 

July  4th  to  Sept.  5th,  1918    f         31  Men  210  Men  1  Man 

Hindenburg   Line —  )  8  Officers  22  Officers 

Sept.  29th  to  Oct.  1st,  1918     t        194  Men  737  Men 

October   7th  to  |  2  Officers  12  Officers 

October   12th,    1918  j  36  Men  307  Men  1   Man 

October    16th   to  J  2  Officers  2  Officers 

October  20th,   1918  j  26  Men  216  Men 

Totals  15  Officers  42  Officers 

'287  Men  1,470  Men  2  Men 

Grand  totals    302  1,512  2 

The  Wounded  were  classified  as  follows  in  the  latest  available 
information : 

Died  of  wounds 3  Officers  23  Men 

Severely  wounded    4  Officers  183  Men 

Slightly  wounded    24  Officers  809  Men 

Gassed   0  Officers  74  Men 

Shell  shock   3  Officers  16  Men 

Wounds  undetermined   8  Officers  365  Men 

Totals    42  Officers      1,470  Men 


34 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 


CAPTURES  BY  REGIMENT 

Prisoners,  1,253;    Machine  Guns,  132;    Artillery,  10  guns;    Trench 
Mortars,  4;    Civilians  Released,  375. 


The  German  Divisions, 
front  and  their  quality,  are 

Division 
236th  Div. 

75th  Res.  Div. 
185th  Div. 

20th  Div. 

34th  Div. 

21st   Div. 

21st   Res.  Div. 

38th  Div. 
119th  Div. 
121st   Div. 

187th  Sharpshooter   Section 
204th  Div. 
208th  Div. 

3rd  Naval  Div. 

15th  Res.  Div. 
221st   Div. 
243rd  Div. 


with  date   identified  on  the   divisional 
given  below : 

Date  Identified  Quality 

Aug.  31 -Sept.  1  Average 

September  27-28  Average 

September  28-29  Average 

October     8th  Very  Good 

October     8th  Very  Good 

October  10th  Average 

October  10th  Average 

October  10th  Very  Good 

October  10th  Average 

October  10th  Average 

October  10th  Very  Good 

October  10th  Average 

October  10th      •  Average 

October  11th  Very  Good 

October  11th  Average 

October  19th  Average 

October  19th  Average 


This  Eegiment  advanced  as  a  front  line  attacking  unit  16,000 
meters  out  of  a  total  advance  of  29,500  meters  by  the  Division. 

This  Regiment  marched,  as  a  regiment,  a  total  of  330  kilometers 
while  in  France. 

Each  man  in  the  Eegiment  is  entitled  to  wear  a  star  on  the 
Service  Eibbon  for  each  of  the  following  official  engagements : 

Canal  Sector 
Ypres-Lys  Offensive 
Somme  Offensive 


APPENDIX  "B" 

The  letters  and  orders  which  follow  should  be  of  interest  to  all, 
particularly  the  one  from  the  Commander-in-Chief,  which  estab- 
lishes beyond  question  to  which  Division  the  credit  of  breaking  the 
Hindenburg  Line  is  due : 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtry  35 

No.  1.  "Headquarters  II  Corps, 

American  Expeditionary  Forces, 

France,  October  4,  1918. 
From :    Adjutant-General. 

To:    Commanding  General,  30th  Division,  American  E.  F. 
Subject:    Operation  against  Hindenburg  Line  of  September  29,  1918. 

Following  letter  is  received  from  the  Commanding  General  Australian 
Corps : 

'Australian  Corps, 

Corps  Headquarters, 

2nd  October,   1918. 
My  dear  General: 

As  the  Second  American  Corps  has  now  been  withdrawn  from  the  line, 
and  my  official  association  with  you  and  your  troops  has  been,  for  the 
time  being,  suspended,  I  desire  to  express  to  you  the  great  pleasure  that 
it  has  been  to  me  and  to  the  troops  of  the  Australian  Army  Corps  to  have 
been  so  closely  allied  to  you  in  the  recent  very  important  battle  operations 
which  have  resulted  in  the  breaking  through  of  the  main  Hindenburg  Line 
on  the  front  of  the  Fourth  British  Army. 

Now  that  the  fuller  details  of  the  work  done  by  the  27th  and  30th 
American  Divisions  have  become  available,  the  splendid  gallantry  and 
devotion  of  the  troops  in  these  operations  have  won  the  admiration  of  their 
Australian  comrades.  The  tasks  set  were  formidable,  but  the  American 
troops  overcame  all  obstacles,  and  contributed  in  a  very  high  degree  to  the 
ultimate  capture  of  the  whole  tunnel  system. 

I  shall  be  glad  if  you  will  convey  to  your  Division  Commanders  my 
appreciation  of  and  thanks  for  the  work  done,  and  to  accept  my  best  wishes 
for  every  possible  success  in  the  future. 

»  Yours  very  sincerely, 

(sd)         John  Monash. 
Major-Geneeal  G.  W,.  Read,  N.  A., 

Commanding  Second  American  Corps.' 

No.  2. 

In  communicating  to  you  this  expression  of  the  sentiments  of  the 
Commander  of  the  Australian  Corps,  the  Corps  Commander  desires  to 
make  known  to  you  his  appreciation  of  the  splendid  fighting  qualities  of 
your  Division,  and  of  the  results  they  accomplished  in  their  part  in  break- 
ing this  formidable  portion  of  the  Hindenburg  Line.  It  is  undoubtedly 
due  to  the  troops  of  this  Corps  that  the  line  Avas  broken  and  the  opera- 
tions now-  going  on  made  possible. 

The  unflinching  determination  of  these  men,  their  gallantry  in  battle, 
and  the  results  accomplished  are  an  example  for  the  future.  They  will 
have  their  place  in  history  and  must  always  be  a  source  of  pride  to  our 
people. 

Stephen  C.  Clark, 

Adjutant-General." 


36  Official  History  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtey 

Xo.  3.     Message  from  Commander-in-Chief: 

"The  Commander-in-Chief  desires  to  convey  to  the  officers  and  soldiers 
of  your  Corps  his  appreciation  of  the  magnificent  qualities  which  have 
enabled  them,  against  powerful  resistance,  to  advance  more  than  ten  miles 
and  to  take  more  than  six  thousand  prisoners  since  September  twenty- 
seven. 

(Signed)  McAndbews, 

Addressed  27th  and  30th  Divisions." 

Xo.  4.  From  the  Mayor  of  Busigny  to  the  Commanding  General,  under 
date  of  17th  October,  1918: 

"Acting  as  a  representative  of  the  commune  and  in  its  name,  conse- 
quently in  the  name,  too,  of  a  part  of  France,  I  take  the  liberty  to  come 
and  express  to  our  liberator,  and  to  the  gallant  troops  under  your  com- 
mand, our  feelings  of  deepest  and  eternal  gratitude. 

For  those  who  have  not  been  submitted,  as  we  have,  for  four  years  to 
the  intolerable  and  abhorred  German  yoke,  it  is  difficult  to  realize  how 
great  were  the  relief,  the  joy,  the  well-being,  or.  in  a  word,  the  unex- 
pressible  happiness  we  all  felt  when  the  first  allied  troops  made  their  way 
through  our  village.  And  this  great  event  has  been  for  us  like  a  dawn  of 
a  resurrection. 

I  should  be  very  thankful  to  you  if  you  would  convey  to  all  your 
officers,  X.  C.  O.'s,  and  men  under  your  command  our  deep  feelings  of 
admiration  and  eternal  gratitude. 

Please,  sir,  accept  the  expression  of  my  highest  consideration,  and  be- 
lieve me, 

Yours  most  devotedly. 

The  Mayor, 

E.  Mairis." 

Xo.  5.  From  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  British  Armies  to  the  Com- 
anding  General  II  Corps,  published  in  G.  O.  Xo.  44.  II  Corps, 
Xovernber   18,   1918: 

"X~ow  that  the  American  II  Corps  is  leaving  the  British  zone,  I  wish 
once  more  to  thank  you  and  all  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and 
men  under  your  command,  on  behalf  both  of  myself  and  all  ranks  of  the 
British  Armies  in  France  and  Flanders,  for  the  very  gallant  and  efficient 
service  you  have  rendered  during  the  period  of  your  operations  with  the 
Fourth  British  Army. 

On  the  29th  of  September  you  took  part  with  distinction  in  the  great 
and  critical  attack  which  shattered  the  enemy's  resistance  in  the  Hinden- 
burg  Line,  and  opened  the  road  to  final  victory.  The  deeds  of  the  27th 
and  30th  American  Divisions,  who  on  that  day  took  Bellicourt  and  X'auroy, 
and  so  gallantly  sustained  the  desperate  struggle  for  Bony,  will  rank  with 
the  highest  achievements  of  this  war.  They  will  always  be  remembered 
by  the  British  Regiments  that  fought  beside  vou. 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  37 

Since  that  date,  through  three  weeks  of  almost  continuous  fighting,  you 
advance  from  one  success  to  another,  overcoming  all  resistance,  beating  off 
numerous  counter  attacks,  and  capturing  several  thousand  prisoners  and 
many  guns.  The  names  of  Brancourt,  Premont,  Busigny,  Vaux  Andigny, 
St.  Souplet,  and  Mazinghein  testify  to  the  dash  and  energy  of  your  attacks. 
I  rejoice  at  the  success  which  has  attended  your  efforts,  and  am  proud 
to  have  had  you  under  my  command. 

(Signed)  D.  Haig, 

Field  Marshal." 

No.  6.  Message  received  at  10:00  A.  M.,  11th  of  November,  1918,  by  phone: 
"Hostilities  will  cease  at  eleven  hours  to-day,  November  11th.  Troops 
will  stand  fast  on  line  which  will  be  reported  to  Advance  Army  Head- 
quarters as  soon  as  possible.  Defence  precautions  will  be  maintained. 
There  will  be  no  intercourse  of  any  description  with  the  enemy  until 
receipt  of  instructions  from  Army  Headquarters.  Further  instructions 
follow." 

No.    7.     Regimental    Commander's    message    to    his    troops    on    the    11th, 
November : 

"To  all  Officers  and  Enlisted  Men  of  the  120th  Infantry: 

1.  I  am  happy  to  inform  you  that  the  war  officially  ended  to-day  at 
eleven  o'clock 

2.  The  part  we  have  played  in  Europe  will  always  remain  a  glorious 
chapter  in  American  History,  and  you  have  every  cause  to  be  proud.  Our 
hearts  are  saddened  only  by  our  brave  comrades  who  have  fallen  on  the 
field  of  battle. 

3.  The  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Regiment  is  particularly  jjroud  to  be 
at  the  head  of  such  an  organization,  and  he  has  never  appealed  to  them 
in  vain. 

4.  In  the  days  to  come  of  patient  waiting  before  it  will  come  our  turn 
to  return  to  our  beloved  States,  it  is  recognized  that  it  is  harder  to  be  a 
true  soldier  than  under  actual  war  conditions.  We  may  be  called  upon  to 
perform  various  duties,  but,  whether  we  are  called  on  or  not,  the  Com- 
manding Officer  of  this  Regiment  expects  each  officer  and  enlisted  man  to 
remember  that  he  is  a  citizen  of  a  great  and  glorious  country  and  a  mem- 
ber of  a  splendid  Regiment. 

'-,.  Let  us  at  all  times  think  of  our  loved  ones  at  home,  and  use  our 
utmost  endeavor  to  go  home  to  them  with  clean  hands,  clean  hearts,  and 
clean  bodies. 

fi.  This  notice  will  be  read  at  retreat  roll  call  and  posted  on  the 
bulletin  board  of  each  organization. 

'  (sgd)  S.  W.  Minor, 

Col.,  Inf.,  U.  8.  A., 

Commanding." 


38  Official  Histoky  of  the  120th  Infantry 

No.  8.     From  the  Commander-in-Chief: 

"American  Expeditionary  Forces, 

Office  of  the  Commander-in-Chief, 

France,  February  19,  1919. 
Major-General  Edward  M.  Lewis, 

Commanding  30  th  Division,  A.  E.  F. 

My  dear  General  Lewis  : 

It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  extend  to  you  and  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  30th  Division  my  sincere  compliments  upon  their  appearance  at  the 
review  and  inspection  on  the  21st  of  January,  southwest  of  Teille,  which 
was  excellent,  and  is  just  what  would  he  expected  in  a  command  with  such 
a  splendid  fighting  record. 

After  its  preliminary  training  the  Division  entered  the  line  on  July 
16th,  where  it  remained  almost  continuously  until  the  end  of  October.  In 
that  time  it  was  in  the  actual  battle  from  30th  of  August,  and  took  part 
in  the  Ypres-Lys  and  Somme  offensives.  On  September  29th,  the  Division 
broke  through  both  the  Hindenburg  and  the  Le  Catelet-Nauroy  lines, 
capturing  Bellicourt  and  Nauroy,  an  operation  on  which  all  subsequent 
action  of  the  4th  British  Army  depended.  From  October  7th  to  October 
20th,  the  Division  advanced  23  kilometers  in  a  continued  series  of  attacks, 
capturing  2,352  of  the  enemy.  Brancourt,  Premont,  Busigny,  St.  Bernin, 
St.  Souplet  and  Escaufort,  La  Haie  Mineresse,  and  Vaux  Andigny  are 
names  which  will  live  in  the  memories  of  those  who  fought  in  the  30th 
Division.  But  its  especial  glory  will  always  be  the  honor  you  won  by 
breaking  the  Hindenburg  Line  on  September  29th.  Such  a  record  is  one  of 
which  we  are  all  proud. 

It  is  gratifying  to  see  your  troops  in  such  good  physical  shape,  but  still 
more  so  to  know  that  this  almost  ideal  condition  will  continue  to  the  end 
of  their  service  and  beyond,  as  an  exemplification  of  their  high  character 
and  soldierly  qualities. 

I  inspected  the  artillery  brigade  of  the  Division  later,  and  found  the 
same  high  standard  of  personnel  that  marks  the  rest  of  the  Division. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

John  J.  Pershing." 

No.  9.     The  Regimental  Commander's  farewell  message,  March  9,  1  i » 1 9 : 
"To  the  Officers  and  Men  of  the  120th  Infantry: 

1.  A  few  more  days  and  we  shall  embark  for  home.  No  one  knows  how 
the  detachments  will  be  handled,  but  the  chances  are  many  of  us  will 
never  meet  again. 

2.  This  Regiment  came  into  the  service  as  a  National  Guard  unit  from 
North  Carolina,  augmented  later  by  national  guardsmen  from  South 
Carolina  and  Tennessee,  and  still  later  by  selective  draft  men  from  several 
camps,  the  principal  units  now  being  as  follows:    North  Carolina,   1,558; 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  39 

Tennessee,  406;  Indiana,  2S1 ;  Kentucky,  259;  and  many  other  detach- 
ments, until  to-day  every  state  in  the  Union  is  represented  except  four. 
North  Carolina  will  claim  us  as  her  own,  and  we  are  justly  proud  of  the 
record  her  sons  have  made,  but  we  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  other 
loyal  sons  from  many  states,  who  helped  to  make  our  glorious  record,  that 
we  can  never  repay,  and  which  can  never  be  forgotten. 

3.  To-day  this  Regiment  and  its  record  belongs  to  the  individual  men 
who  compose  it,  as  a  priceless  heritage,  wherever  you  may  go.  Its  achieve- 
ments must  ever  remain  a  brilliant  chapter  in  American  Military  History, 
and  particularly  so  in  the  30th  Division,  in  which  splendid  Division  you 
have  played  the  leading  part. 

4.  How  you  were  moulded  into  an  efficient  righting  unit,  that  knew  no 
North,  South,  East  or  West;  how  you  bore  the  first  shock  of  battle,  and 
then  with  thinner  ranks  pressed  on  and  on,  laughing  at  dangers,  with  never 
a  murmur  and  never  a  complaint,  is  a  story  too  long  to  be  told  here. 

5.  In  parting  with  you  it  is  my  one  desire  to  let  you  know  how  your 
efforts  are  appreciated  and  admired,  and  I  hope  that  your  pleasant  asso- 
ciations with  the  120th  Infantry  may  linger  in  your  memories  long  after 
your  hardships  have  been  forgotten.  That  you  may  return  to  your  homes 
stronger  men,  more  loyal  citizens,  and  more  devoted  husbands,  sons,  and 
brothers  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  one  who  counts  it  the  glory  and  privilege 
of  a  lifetime  to  have  commanded  such  men. 

S.  W.  Minor, 

Col.,  Inf.,  U.  8.  A., 

Commanding." 

No.  10.  "Headquarters   120th  Infantry, 

American  Expeditionary  Forces, 

France,  September  28,  1918. 

To  Officers  and  Men  of  the  120th  Infantry: 

We  have  worked  and  labored  together  for  the  past  sixteen  months,  and 
to-morrow  comes  our  supreme  trial.  Remember,  the  eyes  of  the  world  are 
upon  us  and  our  native  States  expects  us  to  do  our  duty. 

S.  W.  Minor, 

Col.,  Inf.,  U.  8.  A., 

Commanding." 
No.  11.  "Headquarters  30th  Division, 

American  Expeditionary  Forces, 

France,  March  11,  1918. 

From:   Major-General  E.  M.  Lewis,  Commanding  30th  Division,  A.  E.  F. 
To:    The  Commanding  Officer,  120th  Infantry. 
Subject:    Service  of  the  120th  Infantry. 

I  have  already  endeavored  to  express  verbally  to  your  officers  my  high 
appreciation,  as  Division  Commander,  of  the  loyalty  and  support  uniformly 
given  by  them.     As  you  are  now  about  to  return  to  the  United  States,  it 


40  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

is  desired  to  bear  further  testimony  to  the  excellent  service  rendered  by 
the  Regiment  as  a  whole  throughout  all  of  the  experiences  in  Europe  of  the 
Division. 

During  the  preparatory  period  it  set  itself  seriously  and  industriously 
to  the  task  of  training,  and  when  called  upon  for  offensive  action,  both  in 
Belgium  and  France,  acquitted  itself  admirably,  and  won  the  full  appro- 
bation of  its  superiors.  It  can  lay  down  its  arms  "with  just  pride  in  its 
achievements,  and  a  feeling  of  satisfaction  that  its  merit  has  been  fully 
recognized  and  appreciated. 

May  you  as  individuals  realize  your  reasonable  expectations  of  a 
tremendous  welcome  and  every  evidence  of  a  peoples'  gratitude. 

E.  M.  Lewis, 

Major-General,  U.  8.  A." 

No.  12.  General  Sir  John  Monash's  speech,  July  4,  1918,  London,  extract: 
General  Monash  had  under  his  command  in  the  closing  days  of  the  war 
the  whole  Second  American  Army  Corps,  more  than  60,000  men  of  the 
27th  and  30th  American  Divisions.  This  army,  he  said,  overthrew  the 
Hindenburg  defense  system  at  its  "most  strongly  defended  point." 

The  share  of  the  American  Divisions  in  these  operations  was  char- 
acterized by  General  Monash  as  "probably  the  greatest  single  American 
feat  of  arms  achieved  in  the  whole  war."  The  operations  were  completed 
on  October  5th,  he  said,  and  it  was  on  that  night  that  "the  Germans  threw 
up  the  sponge  and  declared  their  willingness  to  make  peace  on  our  own 
terms." 

APPEXDIX  "C" 

Decorations  awarded  men  of  this  Begiment  for  acts  of  gallantry, 
both  British  and  American,  up  to  time  of  going  to  press.  There 
are  a  considerable  number  not  yet  reported  on  and  these  will  doubt- 
less be  heard  from  at  a  later  date. 

BRITISH   DISTINGUISHED    SERVICE    ORDER 

Major  Abeam  R.  Winston 

MILITARY  CROSS 

Captain  John  F.  Williams 
Captain  John  B.  Mays 
First  Lieutenant  Edward  T.  Fogo 
First  Lieutenant  Harvey  S.  Hester 

military  medal 
Private  James  W.  Rollins 
Private  Claude  Williams 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  41 

AMERICAN   DISTINGUISHED    SERVICE    CROSS 

(In  order  awarded) 

Lawrence  Stanfield,  Color  Sergeant,  Headquarters  Company. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 

28,  1918.  While  attached  to  the  Regimental  Intelligence  Service  he  was 
severely  gassed,  but,  after  receiving  first  aid  treatment,  he  insisted  on  re- 
turning to  duty.  Gassed  a  second  time  and  relieved  for  a  short  period  he 
personally  made  a  search  for  wounded  men,  and  finding  a  large  number  went 
to  aid  station  and  brought  stretcher  bearers.  He  continued  this  work  until 
he  was  blinded  by  the  effects  of  the  gas." 

Ben  F.  Dixon,  Captain,  Infantry. 

•"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 

29,  1918.  He  was  severely  wounded  during  the  early  part  of  the  opera- 
tions against  the  Hindenburg  Line;  his  company  having  only  one  officer,  he 
remained  on  duty.  Shortly  afterwards  he  received  a  second  wound,  and 
again  refused  to  leave  his  men.  When  he  saw  that  the  front  waves  of  his 
company  were  getting  into  a  barrage  he  at  once  went  forward  to  stop  them, 
and  while  doing  so  he  was  killed." 

Robert  Marshall  Teachey,  Private,  Company  "B." 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Ypres,  Belgium,  August  2, 
1918.  He  volunteered  to  accompany  an  officer  on  a  daylight  patrol  to 
destroy  an  enemy  pill-box.  With  great  courage  under  heavy  shell  and 
machine-gun  fire  they  rushed  the  pill-box,  killed  or  wounded  the  occupants, 
and  accomplished  their  mission." 

John  F.  Williams,  Jr.,  First  Lieutenant,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Ypres,  Belgium,  August  2, 
1918.  He  volunteered  to  destroy  an  enemy  pill-box  which  had  caused  many 
casualties  in  his  battalion.  With  much  skill  and  daring  he  led  a  daylight 
partol,  under  heavy  shell  and  machine-gun  fire,  rushed  the  pill-box,  killed 
or  wounded  the  occupants,  and  accomplished  his  mission." 

Elmer  Pendell,  First  Lieutenant,  120th  Infantry,  Observer  168th  Aero 
Squadron. 
"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  November  4,  1918.  As  observer  in 
a  De  Haviland  4-plane,  he  flew  an  infantry  contact  mission  over  the  line 
of  the  7th  Division.  Because  of  exceedingly  adverse  weather  conditions, 
he  disregarded  the  danger  of  fire  from  the  ground  and  crossed  the  lines  at 
1,000  feet  altitude.  While  thus  flying  he  was  wounded  in  the  shoulder  by 
an  explosive  bullet  fired  from  the  ground.  Disregarding  his  wound,  he 
came  down  to  an  altitude  as  low  as  500  feet.  After  securing  the  desired 
information,  he  wrote  out  his  message  with  great  effort  and  dropped  it  to 
the  Division." 


42  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

James  W.  Hudnall,  Sergeant,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  After  being  twice  wounded,  Sergeant  Hudnall  continued  to  lead 
his  platoon  in  attack,  capturing  two  machine  guns.  In  later  action  he 
received  additional  wounds  which  caused  his  death." 

Robert  E.  Bascoe,  Sergeant,  Sanitary  Detachment,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Becquigny,  France,  October  10, 
1918.  Going  forward  to  establish  an  aid  post,  Sergeant  Rascoe,  finding 
that  the  advance  had  already  started,  took  his  position  in  the  front  line, 
and,  exposed  to  terrific  fire,  cared  for  the  wounded  until  the  medical  depart- 
ment was  brought  up.  Later,  while  bringing  up  rations,  he  encountered 
shell-fire,  and,  although  wounded  and  knocked  down,  he  quickly  regained 
his  feet  and  completed  his  mission." 

Jesse  Lunsford,  Corporal,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  He  attacked,  single  handed,  a  machine-gun  post  from  which  a 
destructive  fire  was  being  directed  against  his  company.  While  he  was 
approaching  the  nest  the  machine  gun  shot  the  butt  off  his  rifle  and  cut  a 
hole  in  his  breeches,  but  he  succeeded  in  getting  close  enough  to  the  nest 
to  throw  four  hand  grenades  into  it  and  then  killed  the  gunner  with  his 
bayonet." 

Edgar  L.  Cox,  Private,  First  Class,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 
"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  five  other  soldiers  Private  Cox  succeeded  in  breaking  up 
three  machine-gun  nests  and  capturing  eight  prisoners  under  heavy  artillery 
and  machine-gun  fire.  After  his  platoon  had  reached  its  objective  he  and 
four  others  volunteered  and  made  a  reconnaissance,  600  yards  in  front  of 
the  line,  to  make  sure  that  the  valley  beyond  was  clear  of  the  enemy. 
Private  Cox  has  since  been  killed  in  action." 

Lewis  K.  Fowler,  Private,  First  Class,  Company  "B,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Busigny,  France,  October 
19,  1918.  He  remained  at  his  post,  covering  the  withdrawal  of  his  company 
with  his  automatic  rifle,  in  order  that  the  company  might  take  up  a  better 
position.  He  was  instantly  killed  while  in  the  performance  of  this 
mission." 

Ernest  Hyman,  Private,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Becoming  separated  from  his  organization  in  the  smoke  and  fog, 
Private  Hyman  joined  another  soldier  and  was  instrumental  in  breaking 
up  three  machine-gun  nests  and  capturing  four  prisoners.  After  reaching 
the  objective  he  volunteered  and  accompanied  a  reconnaissance  patrol  600 
vards  bevond  the  line  to  the  enemy.     He  has  since  been  killed  in  action." 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  43 

Henby  A.  Strobel,  Private,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detachment,  Private  Strobel  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning 
out  enemy  dugouts  along  the  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

Harvey  S.  Hester,  First  Lieutenant,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Vaux  Andigny,  France, 
October  10,  1918.  Although  severely  wounded  in  the  back  by  shrapnel, 
he  led  his  platoon  forward,  covering  a  flank  of  his  battalion,  which  was 
exposed  to  heavy  enemy  fire." 

Edgar  S.  W.  Dratjghon,  Private,  Sanitary  Detachment,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  St.  Quentin,  France,  Septem- 
ber 29  to  October  20,  1918.  Throughout  this  period  Private  Draughon 
labored  unceasingly  in  evacuating  the  wounded  from  the  front  lines  to  the 
battalion  aid  post.  On  October  19th,  with  complete  disregard  for  his 
personal  safety,  he  advanced  under  heavy  shell  and  machine-gun  fire  beyond 
the  front  line,  rendered  first  aid  to  a  wounded  officer,  and  assisted  him 
to  the  rear." 

Oliver  Robinson,  Sergeant,  Company  "A,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Vaux  Andigny,  France, 
October  10,  1918.  Although  severely  wounded,  he  displayed  remarkable 
coolness  in  extricating  his  platoon  from  an  extremely  dangerous  position 
under  terrific  shell  and  machine-gun  fire,  thereby  saving  it  from  almost 
certain  annihilation.  Being  wounded  a  second  time,  he  refused  to  go  to 
the  rear  until  ordered  to  do  so  by  his  company  commander." 

Louis  E.  Johnston,  Corporal,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Mazinghien,  France,  October 
18-19,  1918.  When  his  platoon  became  separated  from  the  battalion  to 
which  it  was  attached  Corporal  Johnston  proceeded  under  heavy  shell-fire 
along  a  road  with  which  he  was  unfamiliar  and  established  liaison  with 
his  battalion." 

Carlton  Stephenson,  Corporal,  Company  "B,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Catillon,  France,  October  18, 
1918.  Severely  wounded,  he  remained  with  his  automatic  rifle  section  in 
an  exposed  position,  covering  the  withdrawal  of  his  company.  Although 
almost  surrounded,  he  inflicted  severe  losses  on  the  enemy  and  held  his 
position  throughout  the  day." 

Henry  E.  Zax,  Corporal,  Company  "B,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Vaux  Andigny,  France, 
October  11,  1918.  Having  been  sent  on  a  dangerous  liaison  patrol,  he  was 
severely  wounded  soon  after  he  had  located  the  unit,  on  the  right  of  his 


44  Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtry 

own.  He  nevertheless  went  forward  to  battalion  headquarters  imme- 
diately after  securing  first  aid,  and  made  a  complete  report  to  his  battalion 
commander  before  going  to  the  rear." 

Zona  McKiddYj  Private,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  When  his  platoon  had  suffered  heavy  casualties  and  the  runners 
had  been  killed  by  heavy  artillery  fire,  Private  McKiddy  volunteered  to 
carry  a  message,  calling  for  reinforcements.  Making  his  way  through  a 
dense  smoke  barrage,  he  succeeded  in  reaching  company  headquarters  and 
returning,  despite  the  intense  bombardment." 

George  L.  Wiles,  Private,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  191S.  After  his  own  gun  had  been  knocked  out,  he  assisted  another 
soldier  in  breaking  up  an  enemy  machine-gun  nest  and  turning  the  captured 
gun  on  the  enemy,  firing  about  a  thousand  rounds.  When  this  gun  jammed 
he  procured  grenades  and  the  rifle  of  a  dead  soldier  and  continued  on  to 
the  objective." 

Bradley  Lawson,  Private,  First  Class,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th 
Infantry. 
"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Having  been  wounded  by  a  bursting  shell  immediately  after  the 
opening  of  the  attack,  he  refused  to  go  to  the  rear,  but  remained  with  his 
corporal,  who  had  been  severely  wounded  by  the  same  shell.  For  two  hours, 
under  an  intense  enemy  barrage,  he  continued  to  minister  to  his  wounded 
comrade  until  another  shell  burst  near-by,  by  which  he  was  fatally 
wounded." 

John  B.  May,  Jr.,  Captain,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Captain  May  with  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  his  company 
headquarters  detachment,  cleaned  out  enemy  dugouts  along  the  banks  of  a 
canal,  capturing  242  prisoners." 

Edward  T.  Fogo,  First  Lieutenant,  Company  "C,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  La  Selle  River,  France, 
October  18,  1918.  When  his  company  had  received  orders  to  advance 
from  the  front  line,  he,  then  in  command,  led  the  company  to  its  objective, 
despite  severe  wounds  he  had  received  prior  to  the  start  of  the  attack.  He 
refused  tratment  until  the  mission  was  complete,  when  he  went  to  the 
dressing  station.  He  returned  as  soon  as  possible  and  remained  with  his 
company  during  the  entire  operations." 

Joseph  X.  Robertson,  First  Sergeant,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.     With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  45 

detachment,   he  assisted  his   company  commander    in    cleaning   out   enemy 
dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

Robert  P.  Cook,  Sergeant,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  When  his  platoon  was  held  up  by  machine-gun  fire  during  an 
advance,  although  suffering  from  a  painful  machine-gun  bullet  wound  in 
the  hand,  he  personally  killed  the  gunner  and  put  the  gun  out  of  action, 
thus  permitting  the  further  advance  of  his  platoon." 

John  H.  Gill,  Sergeant,  Headquarters  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  After  being  twice  wounded  during  the  attack,  Sergeant  Gill, 
with  his  trench  mortar  section  men,  who  had  become  lost  from  other  com- 
panies, and  stragglers,  attacked  a  strong  machine-gun  position  at  the 
junction  of  the  tunnel  and  canal  and  was  wounded  the  third  time.  During 
the  attack  he  was  wounded  in  thirteen  places  by  machine-gun  bullets  and 
shrapnel,  but  continued  the  attack  with  the  utmost  coolness  and  bravery." 

Walter  S.  KoRisr,  Sergeant,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  He  continued  to  lead  his  platoon  in  attack  on  the  Hindenburg 
Line  after  he  had  received  a  wound  from  shrapnel.  He  was  later  knocked 
down  by  a  rock  thrown  by  a  shell  explosion,  twice  more  wounded  by 
shrapnel,  but  continued  to  lead  his  platoon  until  he  received  a  severe 
wound,  which  necessitated  his  evacuation.  He  personally  captured  two 
prisoners  in  the  attack." 

Willie  Higson,  Corporal,  Company  "C,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  He  showed  extraordinary  heroism  and  courage  in  leading  men 
under  heavy  shrapnel  and  enfilading  machine-gun  fire  during  the  attack 
on  the  Hindenburg  Line.  During  a  temporary  halt  he  acted  as  runner 
through  this  fire  and  attempted  to  return  after  being  severely  wounded." 

John  W.  Berryhill,  Private,  First  Class,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 
"IPor  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detainment,  he  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning  out  enemy 
dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

Alvtn  O.  Bridges,  Private,  First  Class,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detachment,  he  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning  out  enemy 
dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 


■16  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

William  L.  Clark,  Private,  First  Class,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detachment,  he  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning  out  enemy 
dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

James  Lake,  Private,  Company  "B,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detachment,  Private  Lake  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning 
out  enemy  dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

William  B.  Lyeely,  Private,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detachment,  he  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning  out  enemy 
dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

Ollie  Pope,  Private,  Company  "C,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  between  St.  Quentin  and  Cambrai, 
France,  October  9,  1918.  He  was  wounded  in  action  between  St.  Quentin 
and  Cambrai,  France,  and,  after  having  his  wounds  dressed,  he  was  unable 
to  locate  his  company.  He  returned,  however,  to  the  front  line,  and  fought 
throughout  the  day,  locating  and  returning  to  his  own  organization  after 
dark." 

George  Riggle,  Private,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detachment,  he  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning  out  enemy 
dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

Herman  S.  Seibel,  Private,  Company  "D,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  With  eight  other  soldiers,  comprising  the  company  headquarters 
detachment,  he  assisted  his  company  commander  in  cleaning  out  enemy 
dugouts  along  a  canal  and  capturing  242  prisoners." 

Harvey  H.  Shively,  Private,  2nd  Battalion,  Intelligence  Section,  120th 
Infantry. 
"For  repeated  acts  of  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt, 
France,  September  29,  1918,  and  near  Becquigny,  France,  October  9,  1918. 
Near  Bellicourt,  Private  Shively,  with  an  Australian  soldier,  captured 
42  of  the  enemy,  including  two  officers.  On  October  9th,  near  Becquigny,  he 
accompanied  another  soldier  in  penetrating  the  enemy's  outpost  line  and 
captured  two  enemy  machine  gunners,  putting  the  gun  out  of  action." 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  47 

Herbert  L.  Mays,  Sergeant,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  191S.  Sergeant  Mays,  with  one  other  soldier,  attacked  a  machine-gun 
post  which  was  causing  much  damage.  They  captured  the  post,  taking 
prisoner  one  officer  and  eight  men,  and  put  the  gun  out  of  action." 

Wilson  D.  Brookshire,  Private,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Private  Brookshire,  with  one  other  soldier,  attacked  a  machine- 
gun  post  which  was  causing  much  damage.  They  captured  the  post,  taking 
prisoner  one  officer  and  eight  men,  and  put  the  machine-gun  out  of  action." 

Elijah  A.  Capps,  Private,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  In  the  face  of  heavy  machine-gun  fire,  Private  Capps,  with  two 
other  soldiers,  attacked  and  put  out  of  action  an  enemy  machine-gun  post, 
capturing  a  German  officer  and  three  soldiers." 

Johnnie  Lamm,  Private,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  In  the  face  of  heavy  machine-gun  fire,  Private  Lamm,  with  two 
other  soldiers,  attacked  and  put  out  of  action  an  enemy  machine-gun  post, 
capturing  a  German  officer  and  three  soldiers." 

Dewie  H.  Lawhorne,  Private,  Company  "G,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  In  the  face  of  heavy  machine-gun  fire.  Private  Lawhorne,  with  two 
other  soldiers,  attacked  and  put  out  of  action  an  enemy  machine-gun  post, 
capturing  a  German  officer  and  three  soldiers." 

Graham  W.  Harris,  Sergeant,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Becoming  sejiarated  from  his  platoon  in  the  dense  smoke  and 
fog  with  five  other  soldiers,  Sergeant  Harris  kept  his  men  together  and 
continued  the  advance  under  heavy  artillery  and  machine-gun  fine.  Upon 
reaching  the  objective  he  made  a  personal  reconnaissance  600  yards  to  the 
front,  capturing  several  prisoners,  and  assisting  in  breaking  up  three 
machine-gun  nests.  He  remained  in  this  advanced  position  until  he  was 
ordered  back." 

William  H.  Powell,  Sergeant,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Sergeant  Powell,  then  a  private,  took  charge  of  four  other 
soldiers  who  had  become  separated  from  their  platoon  and  led  them  forward 
toward  the  objective.  Attacking  a  machine-gun  nest,  they  captured  seven 
prisoners  and  a  Maxim  gun,  which  they  immediately  put  into  action  and 
fired  2,000  rounds  at  the  enemy.  They  then  continued  to  advance  under 
heavy  artillery  and  machine-gun  fire." 


48  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

Charles  W.  Thompson,  Sergeant,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 
"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Vaux  Andigny,  France, 
October  11,  1918.  When  his  machine-gun  position  on  the  flank  of  the  line 
became  untenable,  he  crawled  20  yards  in  front  of  the  position  and  opened 
fire  with  his  rifle,  covering  the  withdrawal  of  the  crew  and  thereby  saving 
both  gun  and  crew  from  capture." 

Andrew  Irrgang,  Corporal,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  After  he  had  become  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  platoon, 
Corporal  Irrgang  kept  his  squad  together  and  broke  up  a  machine-gun  post, 
capturing  the  gunners  and  the  gun.  As  his  own  gun  had  become  disabled, 
he  turned  the  captured  gun  around  and  fired  1,000  rounds  from  it,  covering 
the  advance  of  the  infantry.  He  then  continued  to  lead  his  squad  forward 
under  terrific  artillery  and  machine-gun  fire." 

David  H.  Lovelace,  Private,  Machine  Gun  Company,  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  His  left  arm  having  been  rendered  useless  by  a  shrapnel  wound, 
Private  Lovelace  continued  to  carry  ammunition  with  his  other  arm  until 
the  objective  was  reached,  when,  against  his  protests,  he  was  ordered  to  the 
rear  for  medical  treatment." 

Archie  Riddic,  Private,  Company  "F,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Vaux  Andigny.  France, 
October  19,  1918.  When  the  position  of  his  company  had  become  untenable 
because  of  enemy  machine-gun  and  artillery  fire,  Private  Riddic.  with 
another  soldier,  the  sole  survivors  of  a  Lewis  machine-gun  team,  covered 
the  retreat  of  their  company.  Clinging  to  their  advance  post  throughout 
the  day,  they  took  up  the  advance  with  the  company  at  dusk  that  evening." 

Gilbert  D.  Short,  Private,  Company  "F,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Vaux  Andigny,  France, 
October  19,  1918.  When  the  position  of  his  company  had  become  untenable 
because  of  enemy  machine-gun  and  artillery  fire,  Private  Short,  with 
another  soldier,  the  sole  survivors  of  a  Lewis  machine-gun  team,  covered 
the  retreat  of  their  company.  Clinging  to  their  advanced  post  throughout 
the  day,  they  took  up  the  advance  with  the  company  at  dusk  that  evening." 

Clyde  Shelton,  Sergeant,  Company  "L,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Mazinghien,  France,  October 
19,  1918.  Sergeant  Shelton,  who  was  in  command  of  a  platoon,  was  ordered 
to  post  an  automatic  rifle  so  as  to  protect  the  right  flank  of  his  battalion, 
and  in  order  to  do  this  it  was  necessary  to  advance  his  line  beyond  a  hedge 
and  wire  fence.  Halting  his  platoon,  he  went  forward  himself,  and  under 
heavy  fire,  in  clear  view  of  the  enemy,  he  cut  an  opening  in  the  barrier. 
His  courageous  act  permitted  a  patrol  to  pass  through,  and  the  line  was 
subsequently  established  with  a  minimum  of  casualties." 


Official  Histoey  of  the  120th  Infantry  4!J 

John  A.  Crafts,  Private,  Company  "C,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  After  being  wounded  in  the  right  arm  to  such  an  extent  that  he 
could  not  continue  his  duties  as  stretcher-bearer,  and  after  being  ordered 
back  for  treatment,  Private  Crafts  continued  throughout  the  day  and 
night,  under  heavy  shell-fire,  to  assist  such  wounded  as  were  able  to  walk." 

John  C.  Byrtjm,  First  Sergeant,  Company  "E,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Although  he  was  wounded  at  the  very  start  of  the  attack, 
Sergeant  Byrum  continued  with  the  advance,  reorganizing  scattered  units 
and  leading  them  back  to  the  line.  Later  his  arm  was  shot  off,  but  he 
steadfastly  refused  evacuation  until  loss  of  blood  so  weakened  him  that  he 
was  taken  to  the  rear." 

Pete  McCoy,  Private,  Company  "B,"  120th  Infantry. 

"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Bellicourt,  France,  September 
29,  1918.  Unexpectedly  encountering  seven  of  the  enemy,  Private  McCoy, 
single-handed,  killed  them  all  with  his  bayonet  and  a  hand  grenade.  As  a 
result  of  this  feat  he  captured  four  hostile  machine-gun  emplacements  and 
took  seventeen  prisoners  out  of  a  dugout  near-by.  Upon  advancing  farther 
he  found  a  wounded  officer,  whom  he  sent  to  the  rear  in  charge  of  another 
soldier,  and  continued  on  to  the  objective.  Home  address :  Harrison  McCoy 
(father),  Thomas,  Ky." 

William  M.  Wallace  (Serial  No.  1320330),  Private,  First  Class,  Com- 
pany "E,"  120th  Infantry. 
"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Mazinghien,  France,  October 
19,  1918.  With  another  soldier,  Private  Wallace  volunteered  and  rescued 
a  wounded  comrade  from  an  exposed  position  in  front  of  the  line,  after  two 
other  men  had  lost  their  lives  in  attempting  to  do  so.  Home  address : 
Mrs.  Mary  Wallace  (mother),  Othello,  N.  C." 

James  R.  Williams  (Serial  No.  2002920),  Private,  First  Class,  Company 
"E,"  120th  Infantry. 
"For  extraordinary  heroism  in  action  near  Mazinghien,  France,  October 
19,  1918.  With  another  soldier,  Private  Williams  volunteered  and  rescued 
a  wounded  comrade  from  an  exposed  position  in  front  of  the  line  after  two 
other  men  had  lost  their  lives  in  attempting  to  do  so.  Home  address: 
Richard  E.  Williams    (father),  Peytonburg,  Ky." 


APPENDIX  "D" 

Poster  of  officers  120th  Infantry,  showing  names,  rank,  unit  to 
which  attached  or  assigned,  with  rank  since  Pegiment  was  called 
into  service,  and  known  address. 


50  Official  Histoky  of  the  120th  Infantry 

COLONELS 

1 .  Minor,  Sidney  W Durham,  N.  C. 

2.  Scott,  Don  E.   (Capt.  Adj.,  Major  1st  Bn.,  Lt.-Col.)  .  .  .Graham,  N.  C. 

3.  Cochran,  William  B U.  S.  A. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL 

4.  McGhee,   Claude  L Franklinton,  N.  C. 

MAJORS 

5.  Boddie,  Samuel  P.    (Capt.  "D"  Co.,  Major  3rd  Bn.,  wounded  in 

action ) Louisburg,  N.   C. 

6.  Comstock,  Milliard   (Major  2nd  Bn.) Santa  Rosa,  Cal, 

7.  Barnard,  J.  J.   (Major  1st  Bn.) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

8.  Graham,  William  A.   (Capt.  "H"  Co.,  Major  2nd  Bn.), 

Warrenton,  N.  C. 

9.  Jenkins,  James  W.  (Capt.  "C"  Co.,  Major  3rd  Bn.),  Henderson,  N.  C. 

10.  Leonard,  James  A.  (Capt.  "A"  Co.,  Major  1st  Bn.)  .  .Lexington,  N.  C. 

11.  McCullen,  Alpheus   (Chaplain) Durham,  N.  C. 

12.  Newhy,  Carleton  H.   (Capt.  "L"  Co.,  Major  in  States), 

Thomasville,  N.  0. 

13.  McClintock,  Charles  A.    (Major  3rd  Bn.), 

6407  5th  Ave.,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

14.  Phillips,  Wade  H.   (Major  3rd  Bn.) Lexington,  N.  C. 

15.  Walker,   John   O.    (2nd   Lt.   "G"   Co.,    1st   Lt.   Hdqs.    Co.,   Capt. 

Operations,  Major  2nd  Bn. ) Lynchburg,  Va. 

16.  Winston,  Abram  R.   (Major  M.  C.) Franklinton,  N.  C. 

CAPTAINS 

17.  Beck,  Hampton  S.  (1st  Lt.  &  Capt.  "E"  Co.)  .  .  .Winston-Salem,  N.  C. 
IS.     Byrd,  Thomas  B.   (2nd  Lt.  &  1st  Lt.  "H"  Co.,  Capt.  "G"  Co.), 

Winchester,  Va. 

19.  Burgess,   Milo    I).    (2nd   Lt.   &    1st   Lt.   "F"   Co.,  Capt.   "H"   Co., 

wounded  in  action) Maiden  Rock,  Wis. 

20.  Boyson,  Charles  C.   (Capt.  "H"  Co.) LTnknown 

21.  Brennan,  Arthur  W.  (Capt.  M.  C.)  .  .  .117  Snyder  St.,  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

22.  Buchannan,  Sidney  E.   (Capt.  M.  C.)  .  .  . Concord,  N.  C. 

23.  Cooke,  George  L.   (1st  Lt.  Adj.  2nd  Bn.,  Capt.  Personnel  Adj.), 

Franklinton,  N.  C. 

24.  Clark,  Walter,  Jr.    (Capt.  "B"  Co.) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

25.  Craft,  James  C.  (Capt.  "D"  Co.) 4  W.  33rd  St.,  New  York  City 

26.  Chapman,  Henry  R.    (Capt.  "F"  Co.,  killed  in  action), 

28  Rider  Ave.,  Potchange,  N.  Y. 

27.  Copeland,  William  V.   (1st  Lt.  &  Capt.  "I"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Burlington,  N.  C. 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  51 

28.  Carter,  Paul  C.    (1st  Lt.  &  Capt.  M.  C.) Holly  Springs,  N".  C. 

29.  Dickens,  Albert  0.    (2nd  Lt.  &  Capt.  Adj.) Louisburg,  N.  0. 

30.  DeMalignon,  Harry  R.    (Capt.  M.  G.  Co.) Aberdeen,  S.  Dak. 

31.  Dixon,  Ben  F.    (Capt.  "K"  Co.,  killed  in  action) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

32.  Fauntleroy,  Thomas    (Capt.  Hdqs.   Co.) Memphis,   Tenn. 

33.  Fuller,  Elbert  E.    (Capt.   "E"  Co.) Oxford,  N.  C. 

34.  Freeman,  James  C.    (Capt.   "I"  Co.) Burlington,  N.  C. 

35.  Fenner,  Edwin    ( Capt.  "M"  Co. ) Henderson,  N.  C. 

36.  Huffman,  George  L.    (Capt.  "K"  Co.) Hickory,  N.  C. 

37.  Jarvis,  Culcus    (Capt.  "F"  Co.) Wilksboro,  N.  C. 

38.  Kearney,  Isaac  H.    (Capt.  "F"  Co.) Franklinton,  N.  C. 

39.  Lumsden,  Charles  F.    (Capt.  M.  G.  Co.) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

40.  Morrison,  William  L.    (Capt.  "B"  Co.) Unknown 

41.  Mayes,  John  B.   (1st  Lt.  M.  G.  &  "D"  Co.,  Capt.  "D"  Co.), 

Stem,  N.  C. 

42.  Muldrow,  Elmer    (Capt.   "F"  Co.) Florence,  S.  C. 

43.  Murray,  Edwin  J.    (Capt.  "E"  Co.) Niagara  Falls,  N.  Y. 

44.  Mobley,  James  H.   (1st  Lt.  &  Capt.  "G"  Co.) Reidsville,  N.  C. 

45.  Millner,  Wallace  B.    (Capt.   "G"  Co.) Reidsville,  N.  C. 

40.     Poorman,  Arthur  G.    (1st  Lt.  "A"  &  "E"  Cos.,  Capt.  "A"  &  "E" 

Cos.,  wounded  in  action ) Marshall,  111. 

47.  Price,  Edward  C.   (Capt.  "H"  Co.) Warrenton,  N".  C. 

48.  Page,  Walter  E.    (Capt.  "M"  Co.) Durham,  N.  C. 

49.  Powell,  Claude  M.    (1st  Lt.  "M"  Co.,  Capt.  in  States), 

West  Durham,  N.  C. 

50.  Ray,  Carl  L.    (Capt.  Hdqs.  &  "E"  Cos.) Brownsville,  Texas 

51.  Rau,  John  F.   (Capt.  "C"  Co.) Seattle,  Wash. 

52.  St.  John,  Frank  L.   (1st  Lt.  "M"  Co.  &  R.  I.  O.,  Capt.  "M"  Co., 

wounded  in  action) Johnson  City,  Tenn. 

53.  Sams,  Ferrol  A.    (2nd  Lt.  "B"  Co.,   1st  Lt.   "A"  Co.,  Capt.  "B" 

Co.,  wounded  in  action) Woosley,  Ga. 

54.  Steggall,  James  I.   (1st  Lt.  "E"  Co.,  Capt.  in  States)  ..  Oxford,  N.  C. 

55.  Stone,  Wallace  B.   (1st  Lt.  &  Capt.  "L"  Co.) Thomasville,  N".  C. 

56.  Wooten,  James  G.    (Capt.  Hdqs.  Co.) Winston-Salem,  1ST.  C. 

57.  Eastman,  H.  H.    (Capt.  Operations) Vermont 

58.  Winston,  Stephen  E.    (Capt.   Supply  Co.) Youngsville,  N.  C. 

59.  Williams,  John  F.    (2nd  Lt.,   1st  Lt.  &  Capt.  "B"  Co.,  wounded 

in   action ) Charlotte,  N".  C. 

60.  Whitfield,  James  E.    (Capt.   "F"  Co.) Franklinton,  N.  C. 

61.  Young,  Robert  C.    (1st  Lt.  Adj.  1st  Bn.,  Capt.  "I"  Co.,  wounded 

in   action ) Swannanoa,  jST.   C. 

62.  Zimpleman,  Albert  N.    (2nd  Lt,,  1st  Lt.  &  Capt.  Supply  Co., 

3541  Perdue  St.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio 

63.  Worsham,  Adolphus  E.   (Capt,  D.  C.) Ruffin,  N.  C. 


52  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

FIRST  LIEUTENANTS 

(14.     Aughtry,  Paul  C.    ("B"  Co.) Lykesland,  S.  G. 

65.  Bryan,  Robert  E.    (2nd  Lt.  "C"  Co.,   1st  Lt.  Supply  Co.), 

Henderson,  N.  C. 

66.  Bunch,  Henry  C.   (2nd  &  15th  Lt.  Hdqs.  Co.), 

2119  E.  Vine  St.,  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

67.  Burrow,  Lyle  ("F"  Co.  &  A.  D.  C,  wounded  in  action),  Bristol,  Tenn. 

68.  Bohannon,  Shirley  D.    ("G"  Co.,  killed  in  action)  .  .  .Nashville,  Tenn. 

69.  Boyd,  Gordon   ("B"  Co.,  killed  in  action) New  York  City 

70.  Boddie,  Sterling  G.    ("C"  Co.) Henderson,  N.  C. 

71.  Bing,  Arden  E.   ("B"  &  "C"  Cos.,  wounded  in  action),  West  Virginia 

72.  Buckley,  John  W.   ("A"  &  "D"  Cos.) Washington,  D.  C. 

73.  Clark,  Fred  E.   ("M"  Co.,  died  of  wounds) Chicago,  111. 

74.  Cecil,  Joe  K.    ("A"  Co.) Lexington,  N.  C. 

75.  Cox,  Alfred  R.    ("G"  Co.) Ashboro,  N.  C. 

76.  Dickens,  Sammie  W.    (2nd  Lt.  "D"  Co.,  Asst.  Lt.  Adj.  3rd  Bn.), 

Enfield,  N.  C. 

77.  Dayton,  Julian   (2nd  Lt.  "D"  Co.,  Hdqs.  Co.) Memphis,  Tenn. 

78.  Dixon,  Wright  T.    (M.  G.  Co.) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

79.  Ellington,  James  M.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "E"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Oxford,  N.  C. 

80.  Edwards,  Emmett  M.   ("F"  C.) Franklinton,  N.  C. 

81.  Ellis,  Lewis  C.   (Hdqs.  Co.) Grover,  N.  C. 

82.  Everett,  Albert  D.   (Hdqs.  &  "G"  Cos.) Nashville,  Tenn. 

83.  Francis,  Hugh  H.    ("G"  Co.  &  Bn.,  I.  0.,  wounded  in  action), 

Bloomer,  Wis. 

84.  Fogo,  Edward  T.   ("C"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

720  Broadway,  Wellsville,  Ohio 

85.  Freeland,  Robert  C.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "F"  Co.) Bahama,  N.  C. 

86.  Fox,  William  F.   ("K"  Co.,  wounded  in  action) Unknown 

87.  Earnhardt,  Raymond  P.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "A"  Co.)  .  .  .Lexington,  N.  C. 

88.  Gilliland,  Frank  M.   (Hdqs.  Co.)  .  .313  S.  Pauline  St.,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

89.  Gillespie,  Gordon    (2nd  Lt.  "D"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  M.  G.  &  "L"  Cos., 

killed  in  action) Greenwood,  Miss. 

90.  Glover,  Gary  I.   (2nd  Lt.  M.  G.  Co.,  1st  Lt,  "L"  Co.), 

Roanoke  Rapids,  N.  C. 

91.  Gross,  H.  A.    (M.  G.  Co.,  killed  by  accident) Unknown 

92.  Goss,  Edward  C.    ("M"  Co.) Winchester,  Va. 

93.  Hervey,  Henry  J.   (Adj.  3rd  Bn.  &  Supply  Co.) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

94.  Heald,  Thomas  J.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  Co.  "E,"  Adj.  2nd  Bn.), 

Washington,  D.  C. 

95.  Harvey,  Alfred  (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "F"  Co.,  Bn.  I.  O.,  killed  in  action), 

Radford,  Va. 

96.  Honeycutt,  Adolph    ( "M"  Co. ) Durham,  N.   C. 

97.  Harrison,  Ralph  \Y.   (2nd  Lt.  "C"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  "B"  &  "C"  Cos.), 

80  Prospect  St.,  East  Orange,  N.  J. 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  53 

98.  Harris,  George  M.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "C"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Henderson,  N.  C. 

99.  Holliday,  Floyd  T.   (M.  (!.  Co.) Gary,  Ind. 

100.  Hester,  Harvey   S.    (2nd  Lt.   "F"   Co.,    1st  Lt.   "A"  &   "B"  Cos., 

wounded    in    action) Asheville,  N.  C. 

101.  Hardy,  Marvin  W.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "H"  Cos.) Norlina,  N.  C. 

102.  Hamilton,  John  W.   ("H"  Co.,  wounded  in  action)  .  .Pleasanton,  Kan. 

103.  Homsher,  Leroy  P.    ("I"  &  "M"  Cos.,  died  of  disease), 

Box  1351,  Tulsa,  Okla. 

104.  Huntzinger,  Frank  E.    ("I"  &  "E"  Cos.,  killed  in  action), 

Nobleville,  Ind. 

105.  Hendley,  J.  Helmis    ("E"  Co.) Columbia,  S.   C. 

106.  Juden,  Lewis  K.   ("D"  Co.,  Bn.  I.  O.,  Regt.  I.  O.,  died  from  gas), 

2207  &  17th  St.,  Oklahoma  City,  Okla. 

107.  Jennings,  Robert  E.    ("G"  Co.) Orangeburg,  S.  C. 

108.  Gant,  Minter    (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "D"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Columbia,  Tenn. 

109.  Grey,  Ben  H.    (2nd  Lt.  "D"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  in  States), 

Winston-Salem,  N.  C. 

110.  Gardner,  Lewis  W.    ("D"  Co.) Statesville,  N.  C. 

111.  Gold,  Thomas  B.    (M.  C.) Shelby,  N.  C. 

112.  Kirkman,  Hugh  C.   ("D"  Co.) Hermitage  Club,  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

113.  Keith,  Marshall  J.    ("L"  Co.,  wounded  in  action) LTnknown 

114.  Kennedy,  Henry  B.    ("M"  Co.) Camden,  S.  C. 

115.  Lovett,  Clarence  J.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "K"  Co.,  Bn.  I.  C), 

Ashboro,  N.  C. 

116.  Lindsay,  Evans  W.    ("G"  &  "H"  Cos.) Richmond,  Va. 

117.  Limer,  Archibald  W.    (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "H"  Co.,  killed  in  action), 

Afton,  N.  C. 

118.  Loomis,  Stanley  D.    (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "I"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Messhopin,  Pa. 

119.  Luck,  Everett  J.    ( "K"  Co. ) Ashboro,  N.  C. 

120.  Landis,  William  T.   (2nd  Lt.  "E"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  "K"  Co.,  wounded 

in    action) Oxford,  N.  C. 

121.  Little,  Robert  O.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "L"  Co.,  gassed),  Thomasville,  N.  C. 

122.  Long,  Frank  M.    ( "L"  Co. ) Unknown 

123.  Moore,  Carlton  R.    (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "G"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Richmond,  Va. 

124.  Mason,  Elmer  B.    (2nd  &   1st  Lt.  "K"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Yale  Club,  New  York  City 

125.  Marshall,  Thomas  B.   ("L"  Co.,  wounded  in  action)  .  .Columbia,  S.  C. 
126     McCullen,  William  L.    (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "H"  Co.,  killed  in  action), 

Durham,  N".  C. 

127.  McConnell,  Fred  Y.    (2nd  Lt.  "A"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  "E"  Co.,  killed  in 

action ) Concord,  N".  C. 

128.  McCaskey,  Clare  P.   ("L"  &  "K"  Cos.,  killed  in  action)  .  .Chicago,  111. 

129.  McMichael,  John    ("C"  Co.) New  Jersey 


54  Official  Histoet  of  the  120th  Ixfaxtry 

130.     McRae,  Donald  C.   (2nd  Lt.  "L"  &  M.  G.  Cos.,  1st  Lt.  in  States), 

Thomasville,  N.  C. 
LSI.     McGeachey.  Robert   S.    (M.  C.) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

132.  McKay,  William  P.    (M.  C.) Red  Springs,  N.  C. 

133.  Nolen,  Beverly  T.    (M.  C. ) Franklin,  Tenn. 

134.  Perry,  Charles  W.   (2nd  Lt.  "M"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  Adj.  1st  Bn.), 

Durham,  X.  C. 

135.  Probst,  William  L.    (2nd  Lt.  "A"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  Bn.  I.  O.), 

Lexington,  1ST.  C. 

136.  Pouch,  Harold  E.   ("E"  Co.,  killed  in  action) New  York 

137.  Parish,  Edward  B.    ("B"  Co.) Raleigh,  N.  C. 

138.  Pindell,  Elmer   (2nd  Lt.  "B"  Co.,  1st  Lt.  "F"  &  "L"  Cos.)  .  .Unknown 

139.  Richards,  Charles  O.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "A"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Little  Rock,  Ark. 

140.  Richardson,   William  B.    ("G"  Co.) Reidsville,  N.  C. 

141.  Ricks,  Garland  A.    ("D"  Co.) Louisburg,  X.  C. 

142.  Peters,  Hugh  L.    ("D"   Co.) Knoxville,  Tenn. 

143.  Phillips,  Hubert  L.    (M.  C.) Clifton,  Tenn. 

144.  Stanley,  William  L.    (M.  C.) Yantley,  Ala. 

145.  Scott,  Walter  W.   (M.  C.) Jackson,  Miss. 

146.  Sturdavant,  James  N.   (M.  C.) Marshville,  X.  C. 

147.  Topping,  Howard  E.    (D.  C.  I Roanoke,  Va. 

1 48.  Smith,  Wilbert  L.    ( "D"  Co. ) Unknown 

149.  Sparrow,  Evans  C.    (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "M"  Co.) Lowell,  N.  C. 

1 50.  Swann,  Nathaniel  H.    ( "M"   Co. ) Pelham,  N.  C. 

151.  Toy,  Harry  S.   (M.  G.  Co. ) Chicago,  111. 

152.  Taylor,  Hames  A.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "E"  Co.,  D.  A.  0.,  R.  I.  O.), 

Oxford,  X.  C. 

153.  Vantubergen,  Elmer  D.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "A"  Co.)  .  .East  Orange,  N.  J. 

154.  Yeach,  Milton  W.    (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "I"  Co  J Thomasville.  N.   C. 

155.  Walker,  Hal  W.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "K"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Ashboro,  X.   C. 

156.  Wilson,  Rufus  D.   (2nd  &  1st  Lt.  "I"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Burlington,  N.  C. 

157.  Woolford,  Henry  E.   ("D"  Co.,  died  of  wounds), 

119  S.  Washington  St.,  Green  Bay,  Wis. 

158.  Williams,  Clyde  P.    ("D"  Co. ) Fulton,  Ky. 

159.  Wilson,  Russell  B.    (M.  C.) Gates,  Tenn. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANTS     . 

160.  Ailor,  Thurman    (Hdqs.  Co.) Sugginsville,  Tenn. 

161.  Anderson,  Edgar  M.    (Supply  Co.) Unknown 

1 62.  Bigelow,  Lee  H.    ( "G"  Co. ) Columbus,  Ohio 

163.  Brisbine,  Dawes  E.    ("H"  Co.) Spooner,  Wis. 

164.  Boston,  John  R.    ("K"  &  "I"  Cos.,  wounded  in  action)  ..Chicago,  111. 

165.  Blanknik,  Clarence    (M.  G.  &  "H"  Cos.) Lena,  Wis. 


Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry  55 

166.  Bogar,  Basil  E.   ("E"  Co.) Creston,  Iowa 

167.  Belville,  Eugene   ("F"  Co.) St.  Louis,  Mo. 

168.  Blackley,  Walter  G.    ("F"  Co.) Richmond,  Va. 

1 69;     Brown,   Carrol  H.    ( "F"   Co. ) Luling,   Texas 

170.  Berry,  Paul  B.    ("A"   Co.) Saginaw,  Mich. 

171.  Bull,  Frank  H.    ("A"  Co.) Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

172.  Blackmon,  King  H.    ("M"  Co.) Timpson,  Texas 

173.  Cane,  Charles  S.   ("B"  &  "D"  Cos.) Alexander,  Neb. 

174.  Couch,  William  A.    ("M"  Co.) Durham,  N.  C. 

175.  Carpenter,  Earl  W.    ("I"  Co.) Guide  Hock,  Neb. 

176.  Culbert,  Daniel  C.    ("D"  &  "L"  Cos.,  killed  in  action), 

Thomasville,  N.  C. 

177.  Chase,  James  A.    ("L"  Co.) Denver,  Colo. 

178.  Craft,  John  T.   (Hdqs.  Co.,  wounded  in  action)  .  .Holiy  Springs,  Miss. 

179.  Crawford,  Harry  A.    (Hdqs.  Co.) Memphis,  Tenn. 

180.  Crumblish,  William  J.    (M.  G.  Co.) Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

181.  Daugherty,  George  W.    ("C"  Co.) Laclata,  Mo. 

182.  Disney,  Albert  B.    ("L"  Co.) Baltimore,  Md. 

183.  Donovan,  Percy  J.   ("E"  &  "H"  Cos.) Detroit,  Mich. 

184.  Eggert,  Leslie  F.    ("L"  Co.,  wounded  in  action) Unknown 

185.  Edwards,  Evans    ("G"  &   Supply  Cos.), 

•  3809  Chatham  Road,  Baltimore,  Md. 

186.  Flippen,  Erie  B.    (Hdqs.  Co.) Memphis,  Tenn. 

187.  Freistead,  Willis  D.    ("F"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

2906  Sheridan  Road,  Chicago,  111. 

188.  Green,  Andrew  H.  ("F"  Co.,  Act.  Adj.  2nd  Bn.,  wounded  in  action), 

Raleigh,  N.  C. 

189.  Gravenskemper,  Charles  W.    ("G"  &  Hdqs.  Co.)  .  .  .  .Cincinnati,  Ohio 

190.  Gallishaw,  John  ("F"  Co.,  Act.  Adj.  2nd  Bn.,  wounded  with  B.  A.), 

Chauncey  St.,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

191.  Hummil,  Leslie  R.    (M.  G.  Co.) Wilmington,  N.  C. 

192.  Hoefer,  John  J.    ("E"  Co.) Elmira,  N".  Y. 

193.  Holmes,  Harold  J.    ("F"  &  "I"  Cos.) Franklinton,  N.  C. 

194.  Hundley,  Robert  G.   ("F"  Co.) Farmville,  Va. 

195.  James,  Thomas  J.   ("B"  Co.,  killed  in  action) Ferguson,  N.  C. 

196.  Loudon,  Roy  V.    (Hdqs.  Co.) Denver,  Colo. 

197.  Mackin,  James  G.    ("L"  Co.) Montrose,  Pa. 

198.  Mitchell,  Robert  L.    ( "M"  Co.) Durham,  N.  C. 

199.  Murphy,  Robert  E.    ( "M"  Co. ) Unknown 

200.  Mitchell,  James  L.   ("G"  Co.) Winston-Salem,  N.  C. 

201.  Mason,  Joseph  T.    ("H"  Co.) White  Station,  Tenn. 

202.  Miller,  Clyde  R.    ( Supply  Co. ) Scottsdale,  Pa. 

203.  Morey,  Edward  J.    ("E"  Co.) Omaha,  Neb. 

204.  McNulty,  Frank  J.    (M.  G.  Co.) Unknown 

205.  Oppenheim,  Morris  C.    (M.  G.  Co.) Unknown 

206.  Portwood,  Thomas  B.    (M.  G.  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

Bell  Plains,  Kan. 


56  Official  History  of  the  120th  Infantry 

207.  Pretlow,  Barclay    ("E"  Co.) Franklin,  Va. 

208.  Prescott,  Oliver  W.   ("C"  &  "K"  Cos.,  killed  in  action), 

1626  N.  6th  St.,  Sheboygan,  Wis. 

209.  Perrin,  James  W.    ( "H"  Co. ) South  Carolina 

210.  Parker,  William  S.    (Hdqs.  Co.)... 300  Decatur  St.,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

211.  Quimby,  Edward  M.   ("M"  Co.) Wooster,  Ohio 

212.  Reynolds,  DeWitt   ("K"  Co.) Star,  N.  C. 

213.  Rumble,  Lester    (M.  G.  Co.) Unknown 

214.  Robertson,  Owen  S.   ("C"  Co.,  wounded  in  action)  .  .  .North  Carolina 

215.  Sharpe,  John  B.   (M.  G.  Co.,  wounded  in  action)  .  .  .  .Columbia,  Miss. 

216.  Shea,  Francis  R.   (M.  G.  Co.) Pennsylvania 

217.  Sly,  Henry  0.   (M.  G.  Co.) Unknown 

218.  Singleton,  William  C.   ( "F"  Co. ) Florence,  S.  C. 

219.  Shaw,  John  T.    ("A"  &  "H"  Cos.,  wounded  by  accident), 

Memphis,  Tenn. 

220.  Snyder,  Irving  T.    ("M"  Co.) Denver,  Colo. 

221.  Smith,  Dalton  E.   ("M"  Co.,  killed  in  action) Trinity,  N.  C. 

222.  Skinner,  Dwight  L.    ( "M"  Co. ) Denver,  Colo. 

223.  Syrup,  S.  C.   ( "K"  Co. ) New  York  City 

224.  Sinclair,  Ike  A.    ("H"  Co.) Dyersburg,  Tenn. 

225.  Taylor,  Miner  M.   ("D"  Co.) Rochester,  N.  Y. 

226.  Talcott,  Edward    ("C"  &  "D"  Cos.) New  York  City 

227.  Turner,  Thomas  H.    ("G"  Co.,  wounded  in  action)  .  .  .Mayodan,  N.  C. 

228.  Sharp,  John  B.    ( "L"  Co. ) Unknown 

229.  Underwood,  Robert  E.   ("D"  &  Supply  Cos.) Youngsville,  N.  C. 

230.  Underwood,  Albert  F.    ("L"  Co.) Unknown 

231.  Weed,  Lee  H.   ("A"  &  "B"  Cos.,  wounded  in  action)  .  .Memphis,  Tenn. 

232.  Woehlke,  William    ("K"  Co.) Unknown 

233.  Worsham,  A.   D.    ( "K"   Co. ) Unknown 

234.  Ward,  Ervin  L.   (M.  G.  Co. ) Belvedere,  N.  C. 

235.  Wrenn,  William  J.   (M.  G.  Co.) Knoxville,  Tenn. 

236.  Walker,  Alfred  H.    ( "M"  Co. ) Reidsville,  N.  C. 

237.  Whyte,  Lincoln  D.    ("M"  Co.,  wounded  in  action), 

518  W.  145th  St.,  New  York  City 

238.  Wesson,  Lowell  T.   ("M"  Co.,  first  officer  killed  in  action)  .  .Unknown 

239.  Yarborough,  Grady  R.    ("A"  Co.) Lexington,  N.  C. 

CHAPLAINS 

240.  McClellan,  George  H.    ( 1st  Bn.  Lt.)  .  . New  York  City 

241.  Turner,  James   (2nd  Bn.  Lt.) Wake  Forest,  N.  C. 

242.  Baker,  Arthur  G.    (3rd  Bn.  Lt.) Chicago,  111. 

243.  Ritter,  Mr.    (Y.  M.  C.  A.) Unknown 


. 


